Abstract ED01-01: mHealth and disparities: Can mobile bridge the digital divide?

Abstract

Abstract Cell phones and mobile technologies are now used by more than 90% of adults in the United States and the rates continue to increase (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2013). Smartphones, such as the iPhone and Android phones, now represent the majority of new phones sold and more than half of all phones currently being used in the US (Smith, 2013). Unlike feature phones that may only allow users to make and receive calls and text messages, smartphones are mobile computers with diverse powerful features. Smartphone users perform many interactive and/or internet-based activities on their device, such as sending or receiving text messages, accessing the internet, sending or receiving email, downloading application programs (apps), using maps or location-based services, listening to music, watching videos, participating in a video call or chat, and checking in at their current location (Smith, 2013). Short message service (SMS), or text messaging, is particular common among all phone users and especially smartphone users, who send and receive an average of 111 messages per week (Acision, 2013). In addition, nearly two-thirds of mobile phone users access the internet from their device (Duggan & Smith, 2013). Although the gaps have narrowed in recent years, African Americans and Spanish-speaking Latinos report lower levels of home broadband access and home internet use than whites (Smith, 2010a). In contrast, blacks and English-speaking Latinos are more likely to own a mobile phone than whites and more likely than whites to use their phone for internet and interactive activities such as text messaging, accessing the internet, recording and watching videos, accessing and social media (Smith, 2010b). In addition, social media usage, such as Facebook and Twitter, is highest among African American and English-speaking Latinos when compared to whites (Smith, 2010a). As a result of the widespread use of mobile technologies among minorities, traditionally “hard to reach” populations are now much easier to reach with mobile health, or mHealth, interventions. mHealth interventions can leverage many technological features of the device to deliver interventions that are highly interactive, personalized, and accessible, and culturally appropriate. For example, Nundy et al (2013) conducted a study to test the feasibility of a text messaging intervention on health failure self-management among urban African Americans patients and found a high rate of acceptability, satisfaction, and preliminary evidence of improvements. Unfortunately, limited research has been conducted to date on the application of mHealth technologies with minority populations despite the great potential for significant research and impact. More research is needed, particularly studies that leverage multiple features of mobile technologies, to fully realize the potential of mHealth to reduce health disparities.