Multilevel barriers to using assistive technology devices among older hispanics from poor and disadvantaged communities: the relevance of a gender analysis.
Elsa M Orellano-Colón, Marta Rivero-Méndez, Blanca N Ralat-Fonseca and 4 others
PMID 36170426WHAT IT FOUND
Older Hispanic adults in low-income Puerto Rico communities reported not knowing about assistive technology devices or where to get them.
Women faced greater barriers due to cost, limited decision-making power in the household, and stigma about looking old or dependent.
Key findings
01Lack of information was the most universal barrier, with all participants stating they did not know what assistive technology devices existed or where to obtain them.
02Women reported more barriers than men, specifically regarding cost, discomfort, appearance, and having less control over household money and decisions.
03Self-stigma prevented use for both genders but for different reasons: women feared looking old and useless, while men feared losing autonomy and appearing weak.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (23 people), homogeneous, and drawn from a specific low-income community in Puerto Rico, so findings may not apply to older Hispanics in other regions or socioeconomic groups. Participants viewed videos of AT devices rather than handling them, which may have altered their perception of comfort, complexity, and usability. Family members were present during some interviews, which may have influenced participants' answers, especially for women. The study excluded individuals who were bedridden, required supervision for daily activities, or had significant cognitive impairments.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that specific interventions reduce barriers. This study describes the current state of access and attitudes; it does not test whether providing information or changing device design actually increases AT use in this population.