Smartphone Ownership Research Articles

The digital child: A cross-sectional survey study on the access to electronic devices in paediatrics.

To explore the use of electronic devices in children and possible risk factors for smartphone ownership and cyberbullying. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted involving 62 Italian general paediatricians who administered a close-ended questionnaire about the use of electronic devices to 1732 parents/caregivers. Data of 2563 children aged 0-14 years were collected. Investigating the electronic device use by parents/caregivers of children aged 0-1 years, 72.5% of mothers were revealed to have the habit to use a smartphone during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The ownership of a smartphone was found in 29.5% of children aged 2-14 years, 68.1% considering only children aged 10-14. A higher parental degree level was identified as a protective factor for smartphone ownership by children (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.98; p = 0.04 for father; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33-0.78; p = 0.002 for mother). A higher risk of cyberbullying was found when caregivers did not use any restrictions on smartphone use (OR 11.92; 95% CI 3.41-41.68; p < 0.001). The absence of rules for smartphone use represents a risk factor for cyberbullying. In this context, the general paediatrician might play an important role in helping parents/caregivers and their children adopt safer use of electronic devices.

Parents’ perspectives on smartphone acquisition amongst 9- to 12-year-old children in the UK – a behaviour change approach

ABSTRACT Smartphone ownership has increased rapidly over the past decade, including amongst children and young people. Evidence is mixed in terms of the impact of smartphones on this population; with a number of benefits cited as well as a large number of risks. Given the pace of change in this area, research is sparse, including research to understand the influences on when children and young people acquire a smartphone. This is important because parents report struggling with deciding when to give their child a smartphone. This qualitative study applies the Behaviour Change Wheel to in-depth interviews, with a diverse sample of 11 parents, to report the barriers and enablers to parents giving children their first smartphone between the ages of 9 and 12 years old. Enablers include aspects of the physical and social environment, such as children starting to walk to school or preparing to move to secondary school, as well as the influence of other parents and children. Parents’ skills are a barrier whilst their beliefs about the consequences of their child owning a smartphone are a mix of barriers and enablers. Recommendations for interventions include age restrictions, regulations, parental training, education and guidance to support parental decision-making.

Electronic Health Literacy and Demand for Digital Health Technology among the Elderly in Rajasthan

Background: Older people may not be able to use information and communication technologies to get health care due to an age-related digital divide. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the Internet, eHealth literacy levels, and the demand for digital health technologies among the elderly. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022 in a tertiary care hospital in Ajmer. Three hundred and six elderly people aged 60 years or older and who visited the hospital were included in the study. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Literacy in eHealth was evaluated using the electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Multiple logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to predict the factors associated with smart device usage and eHealth literacy. Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the participants was 69.47 (6.28) years. Approximately one-fifth (n = 61) of the elderly had used a smart device. All participants with smart devices (n = 61, 19.9%) were Web 2.0 users. The mean eHEALS score (SD) was 14.08 (8.81), and the median was 11 (interquartile range = 10). It ranged from 8 to 40. eHealth literacy was significantly associated with residence (B = 0.06, P &lt; 0.01), education (B = 0.53, P &lt; 0.01), income (B = 0.14, P &lt; 0.01), and smartphone ownership (B = −0.41, P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: In India, Internet use and eHealth literacy are low among the elderly. The National Digital Health Mission is aimed at increasing access to health information through digital technology, but it is also important that older people have the ability to understand and evaluate the resources they find. Future research should focus on improving the use of the Internet by the elderly and the literacy of electronic health care and create interventions based on these areas.

Narrowing the gender digital divide in Pakistan: Mobile phone ownership and female labor force participation

AbstractThe unprecedented growth in access to mobile phones and smartphones has opened up new possibilities in the way people live and work. However, women in developing countries are unable to take advantage of this growth due to certain factors and socio‐cultural norms that give rise to the gender digital divide. In this study, using the nationally representative Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (2019–2020), we investigate the gender and rural–urban (female) digital divide in a country with one of the most considerable digital divides. Furthermore, we employ an instrumental variable approach to study the effect of mobile or smartphone ownership on female labor force participation. The results indicate that institutional and sociocultural norms explain most of the ownership gap of mobile or smartphones between men and women. The instrumental variable approach demonstrates that mobile or smartphone ownership increases the participation of women in the labor force. We also find that the differences between observable characteristics, especially literacy and education, explain the rural–urban digital divide among females. Considering the importance of mobile or smartphone ownership in facilitating women's labor supply decisions, providing women with digital tools and upskilling them has wider implications for their economic well‐being.

PSYCHOPATHY AND CYBERBULLYING: THE ROLE OF SELF-CONTROL AS MODERATOR AMONG PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USERS

The widespread ownership of smartphones among youth has led to an increase in cyberbullying. Studies have shown that smartphone addiction is linked to psychopathic personality traits as well as significantly predicts cyberbullying. However, self-control is considered a protective factor that can promote responsible smartphone use. Research aimed to investigate role of self-control in association of psychopathy &amp; cyberbullying among problematic smartphone users in Pakistan. The data was collected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Screening criteria was modified from 4-hours of the smartphone usage to 6-hours daily to screen the problematic smartphone usage. 1055 young individuals were approached, and 254 were not screened as problematic users of smartphones. In second stage, 801 problematic smartphone users, 383 were male (47.9%), 418 were females (52.1%) between ages of 18-23. Data was collected using three assessment measures: (i) subscale psychopathy of short dark triad test, (ii) revised self-control scale, and (iii) subscale cyberbullying of the forms of bullying. Study reveals positive relationship amid psychopathic personality traits and cyberbullying. Study sheds light on link between psychopathy and cyberbullying and emphasizes the need for interventions that target individuals with such personality traits to prevent or stop cyberbullying in particular context.

Assessing the Unmet Clinical Need and Opportunity for Digital Therapeutic Intervention in Schizophrenia: Perspective From People With Schizophrenia

AbstractIntroductionRecent research has highlighted the increasing ubiquity of smartphone ownership as well as the feasibility of digital interventions within schizophrenia. Digital therapeutics, a subset of digital interventions, have established standards for efficacy and safety and are subject to regulatory oversight as Software as a Medical Device. Here, we present data from a survey that assessed the opportunity and expectations that people with schizophrenia have for a digital therapeutic designed to be delivered on top of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy.MethodsSeventy-five people with schizophrenia completed a 10-item survey. Participants were between 22 and 55 years of age, reported no hospitalizations or medication changes within the past 3 months, and were currently seeing a psychiatrist. For each question, participants were asked to rank responses to provide a clear understanding of their preferences.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia reported the survey items that most impacted their daily life were: difficulty meeting new people (17%) and difficulty setting goals/completing activities in daily life and not being productive in their free time (both at 13%). The greatest unmet treatment needs reported by people with schizophrenia were: improving social skills (19%); reducing distress related to disease (19%); and being more productive in their free time (13%). In terms of expectations for what a digital therapeutic would include, the items reported as most important were: sharing progress with providers (13%); teaching ways to deal with symptoms (13%); and helping to set and achieve goals (12%).ConclusionMany of the top unmet needs that people with schizophrenia identified can be uniquely targeted by a digital therapeutic that augments their ongoing standard of care.FundingBoehringer Ingelheim International GmbH and CLICK Therapeutics, Inc.

The Usability of Management Information Systems Applications

Many management information systems applications can be used to support businesses. One example is platforms that support electronic commerce, so retailers can sell products and services online. The use of electronic commerce applications is so common that virtually every smartphone owner has used them. In this research, the author evaluates the usability of mobile applications for electronic commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and introduces a measure with which developers and organizations can evaluate the usability of their mobile applications. Applying quantitative research methods, including structural equation modeling, the research shows that three constructs—application design, application utility, and user interface structure—are the strongest predictors of both continued intention to use a mobile application and loyalty to the mobile application.

Abstract P6-05-25: HT Helper: A Mobile App to Promote Hormone Therapy Adherence among Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Background: Adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT) is highly effective and appropriate for nearly all women with hormone receptor-positive tumors, making such treatment the most widely prescribed therapy for patients with this type of breast cancer. Despite its proven benefits in reducing cancer recurrence and improving survival, HT adherence is suboptimal (less than 80%). About 33% of patients do not take their medication as prescribed and are at increased risk of disease recurrence and lower survival. Smartphone ownership has increased substantially over the past decade, providing an extraordinary opportunity for innovation in the delivery of tailored interventions to improve patients’ adherence to hormonal therapy. Purpose: We present preliminary results of a pilot study to test the feasibility of an intervention consisting of a theory-based, bilingual, culturally tailored, and interactive mobile app + patient navigation to empower patients’ self-monitoring and management by facilitating patient education, self-efficacy, early identification and reporting of side effects, delivery of self-care advice, and timely feedback through direct communication between the patient and the oncology team. Methods: This is a 2-group parallel, randomized control trial recruiting patients (120) receiving hormone therapy treatment and attending the breast clinic at the Mays Cancer Center (MCC). The intervention group receives two components: 1) the HT Helper phone app; and 2) assistance from a patient navigator who will provide educational, psychosocial support and reinforcement, address common barriers, and facilitate the interaction with the medical team as needed. The control group receives the usual care and information provided by the MCC’s breast clinic to patients undergoing HT. The app and navigation support are based on Social Cognitive Theory and principles of motivational interviewing. Patients are assessed at baseline, three and six months. The primary outcome is HT adherence. Additional variables of interest include self-efficacy, social support, depression, side effects, anxiety, and quality of life. We also assess app usability and satisfaction. Results: We have recruited 108 patients, 56 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group. The mean age is 57.5 years, 58.3% are Latinas, 41.7% have less than high school education, 54.2% have a family income of less than $50,000/year and 52.8% have Medicare/Medicaid. In addition to descriptive data, we will present results of the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Conclusion: The anticipated outcome of this innovative, multi-communication study is a scalable, evidence-based, and easily adaptable intervention with potentially broad use to patients using oral anticancer agents. The intervention has the potential to improve breast cancer outcomes by reducing recurrence, improving quality of life and survival, and reducing healthcare costs. The ultimate goal of this innovative, multi-communication intervention is to improve overall survival and life expectancy, enhance quality of life, and decrease healthcare costs. Citation Format: Vivian Cortez, Patricia Chalela, Armida Flores, Sandra Sivak, Edgar Munoz, Ysabel Lew, Virginia Kaklamani, Kate I. Lathrop, Devasena Inupakutika, David Akopian, Amelie Ramirez. HT Helper: A Mobile App to Promote Hormone Therapy Adherence among Breast Cancer Patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-25.

Mobile Phone Apps for HIV Prevention Among College-Aged Black Women in Atlanta: Mixed Methods Study and User-Centered Prototype.

Black women in college are disproportionately affected by HIV diagnoses. Mobile apps can facilitate the innovative delivery of accurate HIV and sexual and reproductive health information. However, mobile health interventions are severely underused in this population. We aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the perspectives of college-aged Black women on using a mobile health app for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health. The data obtained from Black women were used to design preliminary mobile app wireframes and features. This explanatory, sequential mixed methods study took place from 2019 to 2020 and targeted Black women who were enrolled in college or who had recently graduated from college. Convenience sampling was used during the quantitative phase, followed by purposive sampling in the qualitative phase. A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluating the willingness to use a mobile app for HIV prevention was conducted in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables. A separate focus group discussion was conducted with Black women in college to expand on the quantitative results. Focus group discussions explored their perceptions on HIV and health content delivered through a mobile app along with potential features that participants desired within the app. Using the data obtained, we selected the primary features for the app prototype. In total, we enrolled 34 participants in the survey, with 6 participating in focus group discussions. Over half of the respondents reported a willingness to use an app that contained pre-exposure prophylaxis content. Women who claimed recent sexual activity reported being more likely to use an app feature that would allow them to order an at-home HIV testing kit than their non-sexually active counterparts. The emerging themes from the focus group session were Black women's health concerns, HIV risk, sources of health information, and preferred app features. The content in our prototype included speaking with a specialist, HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis information, holistic wellness, and features promoting engagement and retention. The results of our study guided the design of wireframes for an app prototype targeting HIV prevention in college-aged Black women. The rapid growth of mobile devices in Black communities, coupled with high rates of smartphone ownership among Black youth, makes mobile health interventions a promising strategy for addressing sexual and reproductive health disparities. Participants in our sample were willing to use a culturally appropriate and gender-considerate app for their sexual health needs. Our findings indicate that Black women in college may be excellent candidates for mobile app-based interventions.

Long-term participant retention and engagement patterns in an app and wearable-based multinational remote digital depression study

Recent growth in digital technologies has enabled the recruitment and monitoring of large and diverse populations in remote health studies. However, the generalizability of inference drawn from remotely collected health data could be severely impacted by uneven participant engagement and attrition over the course of the study. We report findings on long-term participant retention and engagement patterns in a large multinational observational digital study for depression containing active (surveys) and passive sensor data collected via Android smartphones, and Fitbit devices from 614 participants for up to 2 years. Majority of participants (67.6%) continued to remain engaged in the study after 43 weeks. Unsupervised clustering of participants’ study apps and Fitbit usage data showed 3 distinct engagement subgroups for each data stream. We found: (i) the least engaged group had the highest depression severity (4 PHQ8 points higher) across all data streams; (ii) the least engaged group (completed 4 bi-weekly surveys) took significantly longer to respond to survey notifications (3.8 h more) and were 5 years younger compared to the most engaged group (completed 20 bi-weekly surveys); and (iii) a considerable proportion (44.6%) of the participants who stopped completing surveys after 8 weeks continued to share passive Fitbit data for significantly longer (average 42 weeks). Additionally, multivariate survival models showed participants’ age, ownership and brand of smartphones, and recruitment sites to be associated with retention in the study. Together these findings could inform the design of future digital health studies to enable equitable and balanced data collection from diverse populations.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of automated and counselor-delivered text messages for e-cigarette cessation.

Automated text messaging programs show promise for e-cigarette cessation. Adding live text counseling could make them more engaging. We developed Quit the Vape (QTV), an automated e-cigarette cessation text messaging program, designed to be delivered as stand-alone or with counselor-delivered messages (QTV-C), and evaluated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of QTV and QTV-C. Between May and August 2021, we recruited 58 e-cigarette users, aged 20-43 years, 53.5% male, 63.8% non-Hispanic White, from an ongoing cohort study in the United States. Inclusion criteria were: using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes on ≥4 days per month; smartphone ownership; and not receiving tobacco cessation treatment. Motivation to quit did not impact eligibility. Participants were randomized to QTV (n=20), QTV-C (n=19), or control (link to e-cigarette cessation website, n=19). At end-of-treatment, we assessed program engagement and satisfaction, and self-reported quitting behaviors (e.g. point prevalence abstinence, PPA). At baseline, average past-month e-cigarette use was 26.8 days (SD=6.2). At follow-up at 4 weeks, among QTV and QTV-C participants, ≥85% replied to ≥1 message, ≥35% set a quit date, and ≤15% opted out. More QTV and QTV-C participants (55.6%) versus control (17.7%) reported program satisfaction (p=0.034). QTV-C participants (vs QTV and control) trended more favorably on 7-day e-cigarette PPA [27.8% (95% CI: 11.5-53.3) vs 11.1% (95% CI: 2.6-37.0) and 5.9% (95% CI: 0.7-34.5)] and quit attempts [66.7% (95% CI: 41.6-84.9) vs 50.0% (95% CI: 27.4-72.6) and 52.9% (95% CI: 29.2-75.5)]. Adding live text counseling to an automated text messaging program is acceptable and shows promise for e-cigarette cessation. A larger trial is warranted to assess its efficacy.

Income loss and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic among female entertainment workers in Cambodia: a cross-sectional phone survey

BackgroundIn Cambodia, female entertainment workers (FEWs) are disproportionately affected by global and local disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government imposed tight restrictions, including closures of entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars, beer gardens, nightclubs, or massage parlors, leading FEWs to face economic and social disruptions. This study aims to assess the relationship between income loss during the pandemic and gender-based violence (GBV) among FEWs in Cambodia to inform future disaster response programs.MethodsWe conducted a phone survey in August 2021 with 369 randomly sampled FEWs from a national organization’s email list. We used a structured questionnaire to ask the participants about job and income loss, food security, mental health, access to health services, and GBV. We fit a linear regression model to examine the differences in GBV experience between FEWs who lost all their income and those who lost partial income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key covariables comprised the number of dependents, smartphone ownership, internet access, food security, and mental health. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted.ResultsThe mean age (31.6 vs. 30.6), years of formal education (6.3 vs. 6.3), marital status (24.2 vs. 23.8 never married), and the number of children (1.3 vs. 1.1) of women reporting having lost all income were not significantly different from those who experienced partial income loss. Overall, GBV experiences were significantly higher in FEWs who lost all income than in those who lost partial income (62.9% vs. 47.4%, p = 0.03). Controlling for the number of dependents, smartphone ownership, and food security, the adjusted odds ratio for GBV was significant in the adjusted model (AOR = 1.23 (1.08–1.40), p = 0.001) indicating that those who experienced total income loss were more likely to experience GBV than those who experienced partial income loss. In addition, they were significantly less likely to be food secure (p = 0.04), less likely to own a smartphone (p = 0.02), and had more dependents (p < 0.001).ConclusionDisaster response programs should consider the implications of safety measures and government support for both formal and informal workers regarding safety, food access, and mental health support. Food assistance programs should target the most vulnerable informal sector workers during crises.

The risks of smartphone and mobile technology for the dissemination of clinical data by dental professionals

##Statement of the problem: Smartphone technologies have changed the landscape of digital communication across society. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of and requirement for technical solutions to facilitate remote clinical communications. Despite the benefits of smartphones in a clinical communication context, there are risks associated with their use. ##Purpose of the study: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the extent of smartphone use among dental professionals in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). In addition, we sought to determine the perception and knowledge of potential pitfalls, risks, and limitations of these technologies among the same population. A smaller cohort of UK dental professionals was surveyed for comparison. ##Materials and methods: An online quantitative survey was distributed to evaluate dental professionals’ knowledge and understanding of the risks and limitations of smartphone and mobile technology, providing general understanding of the current use of smartphone technology in healthcare in the ROI and the UK. ##Results: A total of 123 responses were received from dental professionals in the ROI (UK: n=77). The majority of dental professionals confirmed that they were aware of the risks associated with smartphone use and perceived that they were adequately skilled in digital professionalism. However, concerning practice regarding the communication of sensitive patient data was identified, with the potential for these data to be stored on insecure devices and cloud servers. Many ROI and UK dental professionals confirmed that they would need support to remove patient-identifying data when trading in their device. ##Conclusions: App, smartphone and mobile device ownership among dental professionals for clinical communications is widespread in the ROI (and UK), with respondents using their devices to send images (photos and radiographs) to one another. However, the risks of such activities are only partly acknowledged, with many having a lack of insight into data security.

Smartphone and application use in self-management of chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional feasibility study.

Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents–A Nationwide Study in Malaysia

Smartphone ownership among adolescents is getting common in this decade especially in Malaysia; Adolescent are strongly devoted to their smartphone and this may lead to smartphone addiction. Studies have reported that smartphone addiction has become an emerging social and health problem especially among the youth in many countries however there is lack of study among adolescents in Malaysia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among adolescents in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents from 15 primary care clinics throughout the country. Respondents were assessed on their smartphone activities using the Malaysian short version of the Smartphone addiction scale (SAS-M-SV). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of smartphone addiction among adolescents. The study was conducted among 921 adolescents with 49.6% male (n = 457). The mean age of adolescents was 16.4 ± 2.4 years. The ethnicity distribution were 74.6% Malay, 7.3% Chinese, 4.7% Indian and 13.4% other ethnicities. The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 37.1% (342/921); 37.4% in male and 36.9% in female. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, longer duration of smartphone use per week was associated with higher odds of smartphone addiction among adolescent (odd ratio = 1.005%, 95% confidence interval = 1.000–1.009, p-value = 0.039). Smartphone addiction is present in nearly four in ten adolescents in Malaysia. Adolescents who spend longer duration in smartphone usage per week were associated with higher odds of having smartphone addiction. Parents should be more alert and vigilant about this finding. Hence, parents should limit their children from spending too much of time with smartphone in order to prevent their children from getting smartphone addiction.

Influence of IT Environment, Smartphone Ownership and It’s Start Time on Information Literacy of New Students

Influence of IT Environment, Smartphone Ownership and It’s Start Time on Information Literacy of New Students

Technology engagement is associated with higher perceived physical well-being in stroke patients prescribed smartwatches for atrial fibrillation detection.

Increasing ownership of smartphones among Americans provides an opportunity to use these technologies to manage medical conditions. We examine the influence of baseline smartwatch ownership on changes in self-reported anxiety, patient engagement, and health-related quality of life when prescribed smartwatch for AF detection. We performed a post-hoc secondary analysis of the Pulsewatch study (NCT03761394), a clinical trial in which 120 participants were randomized to receive a smartwatch-smartphone app dyad and ECG patch monitor compared to an ECG patch monitor alone to establish the accuracy of the smartwatch-smartphone app dyad for detection of AF. At baseline, 14 days, and 44 days, participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 survey, the Health Survey SF-12, and the Consumer Health Activation Index. Mixed-effects linear regression models using repeated measures with anxiety, patient activation, physical and mental health status as outcomes were used to examine their association with smartwatch ownership at baseline. Ninety-six participants, primarily White with high income and tertiary education, were randomized to receive a study smartwatch-smartphone dyad. Twenty-four (25%) participants previously owned a smartwatch. Compared to those who did not previously own a smartwatch, smartwatch owners reported significant greater increase in their self-reported physical health (β = 5.07, P < 0.05), no differences in anxiety (β = 0.92, P = 0.33), mental health (β = -2.42, P = 0.16), or patient activation (β = 1.86, P = 0.54). Participants who own a smartwatch at baseline reported a greater positive change in self-reported physical health, but not in anxiety, patient activation, or self-reported mental health over the study period.

Assessment of Internet Marketing of Cassava Tubers; Its Implications to Nigeria Cashless Policy in Portharcourt Metropolis

This study assesses the internet marketing of Cassava tubers and its implications to Nigeria cashless policy in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State. A random sampling technique was used for the selection of 83 respondents of cassava tuber marketers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Primary data was used and collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive Statistics and percentage analysis were used to analyse the data. It was revealed that 61% of the respondents are females, while 39% of males. Implying that there are more women participants in the marketing of cassava tubers than men. Also 59% were between the ages of 20-40years, and 36% were between the ages of 40-60years; Implying that most of the respondents are of active age. Findings further shows that about 50.60% of respondent had no form of formal education, while 33.73% had only primary education. This implies that majority of cassava tuber marketers have no formal education. It was found that 59% of respondent have marketing experience of 0-6years and 34.94% of respondents had an experience of 6-12years in cassava tuber marketing. This is an indication that most of the marketers have significant experience in cassava tuber marketing. Furthermore, a percentage of 51.81% of respondents are married and this attributes to the fact that cassava tuber marketing is a profitable venture that can serve as a reliable source of livelihood for the family. 59% has household size of 0-5 persons, this implies that majority of marketers had or utilized family labour during operations.Most half of the world population has access to the internet; this is unreasoningly in developed nations like Nigeria and other African nations, in rural communities where education and literacy rates are significantly low, mobile phones technology tends to be used for communication and social media. This offers a great difficulty for the introduction of digital agriculture applications which necessitates more forward thinking digital skills, low global Smartphone ownership in rural communities in addition to the high cost of internet and insufficient system coverage also present difficulties of mobile agricultural applications. An effective internet marketing medium of cassava tubers, given the cashless policy can help to increase the demand for the crop, and improve the livelihood of marketers and other stakeholders in the value chain. From the above information gotten, there is need for educating and creating the awareness of internet marketing tools as a marketing medium; as this would help to save cost and increase Marketer’s Revenue.There is need for Creating/Educating the Awareness of the internet, as a marketing tool given the cashless policy in Nigeria, Subsidy on internet devices/gadgets should be established by the government; in order to improve internet marketing of products sequel to the cashless policy. There is a need for adequate internet platforms, for the marketing of agricultural producers.

Mobile Social Screening and Referral Intervention in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Many families in pediatric emergency departments (PED) have unmet social needs, which may be detected and addressed with the use of a digital social needs intervention. Our objective was to characterize the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing personal phones or a PED tablet for screening and referral to social services. We conducted a prospective single-arm intervention study using a convenience sample of caregivers and adult patients in an urban PED between May 2019 and October 2020. Participants chose either their personal phone or a PED-provided tablet to use an app, "HelpSteps." Participants self-selected need(s) then referrals to service agencies. Participants completed a 1-month follow-up. Clinicians were surveyed about screening and impact on visit. Of 266 participants enrolled, 55% of participants elected to use their personal phone. Of all participants, 67% self-selected at least 1 health-related social need; 34% selected 3 or more. The top 3 "most important" needs were housing (14%), education (12%), and fitness (12%). At one month follow-up, 44% of participants reported their top need was "completely" or "somewhat" solved. For 95% of encounters, clinicians reported the intervention did not increase length of stay. A mobile social needs intervention was feasible and effective at identifying and referring participants in the PED setting. While more than half of participants used their personal phones, several smartphone owners cited barriers and elected to use a tablet. Overall, participants found the app easy to use, appropriate for the PED, and the intervention had minimal impact on clinical flow.

The Impact of Smartphones on Student Creativity at a South African University

Research indicates a general increase in smartphone ownership, with the student population being the leading proportion. Among other notable effects of this change could be an enhanced collaboration between learners and lecturers on the one hand, and an increase in sleep deprivation and attention deficits in students on the other hand. Such unsettling revelations call for the investigation of the impact of smartphones on learning outcomes. This paper investigates the impact of smartphones on students’ creativity. Based on the interactions and outcomes theory, the study assesses how smartphone-facilitated processes, person-to-smartphone interaction, and smartphone-enabled environment affect students’ creativity. A hundred and five (105) students at a South African university were surveyed using online questionnaires. General Linear Model (GLM) MANOVA was used as the analysis method. The results reveal that only smartphone facilitated processes and student-to-smartphone interaction significantly affect student creativity. This signals smartphones’ potential in setting a learning environment supporting student creativity at the individual level. Universities could leverage this potential to design better learning management systems that integrate smartphones to improve learning outcomes.