Despite the promise of telehealth in enhancing chronic disease management, disparities in access and utilization persist among marginalized communities. This qualitative study contributes to ongoing critiques of the technology adoption framework UTAUT by applying the model to a racially minoritized group whose telehealth behaviors may be shaped by cultural and structural inequities. This study explores how socioeconomic and educational factors influence telehealth adoption among Asian American adults living with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with participants from Missouri, the study examines employment status, educational attainment, and income levels as key determinants of telehealth use. Thematic analysis revealed that higher education correlated with greater digital literacy and confidence in using telehealth platforms, while full-time employment often increased acceptance due to convenience. Conversely, low-income and less-educated participants expressed concerns about cost, digital complexity, and inadequate broadband access. Findings highlighted the influence of employer recommendations and family encouragement in shaping adoption behaviors. The study contributes to growing literature on health equity by underscoring the intersection of digital access and social determinants of health within Asian American populations. The findings showed the need for tailored approaches to improve access to technology and education and demonstrated the need to make informed healthcare policies that promote telehealth policy to optimize healthcare practices in diverse populations. Recommendations include targeted digital literacy initiatives, culturally and linguistically tailored outreach, and policy-level interventions to close gaps in telehealth accessibility. Policymakers should expand subsidies for broadband and interpretation services to ensure equitable telehealth access.
Devi Gurung States (2026) studied this question.