Abstract
Previous research has shown that obtaining health information-including where to locate a doctor and seek appropriate treatment-is a major challenge for Chinese and other Asian immigrants to adapt to the US. Although social media could provide Chinese immigrants with health information and other benefits, the new technology’s value is still uncertain for potential users. This pilot study utilizes a qualitative research design to better understand the ambivalent attitudes of Chinese immigrants towards social media. We found that Chinese immigrants still perceived social media as having a number of shortcomings. Yet, if used properly, social media could be very useful for these immigrants to seek and share health information with their peers. Based on interview results, we identified several opportunities for developing social media tools, and directions for further research.
Highlights
Chinese immigrants are the third-largest immigrant group in the United States (US) in 2013 [1]
Previous research has shown that obtaining health information—including where to locate a doctor and seek appropriate treatment—is one of these major challenges for Chinese and other Asian immigrants [3]
Why social media? Useful information is available on social media platforms
Summary
Chinese immigrants are the third-largest immigrant group in the United States (US) in 2013 [1]. Chinese immigrants tend to focus on building social ties within their own ethnic group, so that they often have weak social ties with the general population [2]. Previous research has shown that obtaining health information—including where to locate a doctor and seek appropriate treatment—is one of these major challenges for Chinese and other Asian immigrants [3]. Young Chinese immigrants who worked in restaurants often had poor insurance coverage They were concerned with access to critical health care [6]
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