Multilevel barriers to using assistive technology devices among older hispanics from poor and disadvantaged communities: the relevance of a gender analysis.

There are gender differences concerning the multilevel barriers to using AT devices among older Hispanics residing in low-income communities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOlder Hispanic men and women in this study experienced different obstacles to using assistive technology (AT) they need for compensating their functional disabilities in daily living activities.Women in this study reported having less access to money and AT services, diminished skills for using AT devices, and less power to make independent decisions to access AT devices compared to men.To ensure the equitable provision of AT, cultural as well as gender-related factors concerning AT use need to be considered.Future research should focus on women's functional health, also should focus on the development of gender-sensitive and culturally competent AT interventions to improve older Hispanics from poor communities function and opportunities for ageing at their homes and in their communities.