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Clarence Gravlee, PhD, Dept. of Anthropology, Florida State University, 1847 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-7772, 850-644-4754, cgravlee@fsu.edu, Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Health Research and Policy Centers, 850 W. Jackson Blvd. M/C 275, Chicago, IL 60607, Sachiko Woods, Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, M5531, SPH II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, Zachary Rowe, BS, Friends of Parkside, P.O. Box 13168, Detroit, MI 48213, and Amy J. Schulz, PhD, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
This presentation evaluates the use of handheld computers for collecting systematic observational data on the characteristics of neighborhood environments. As part of the Healthy Environments Partnership’s Neighborhood Observational Checklist (NOC), ten observers used Palm-powered handhelds to assess the physical and social environmental determinants of health in 550 census blocks in Detroit. We first report on users’ perspectives of this technology. NOC raters were primarily female (90%) residents of Detroit with at least some college education and a mean age of 41.1 (SD = 7.3). Baseline and follow-up data regarding observers’ experiences and attitudes show a general preference for handheld computers, as compared to traditional paper-and-pencil methods. We next discuss the advantages and disadvantages of handheld computers in terms of data quality and project management. Handhelds offer potentially lower costs, improved data quality, and reduced turnaround time. However, they also present technical challenges that must be addressed for effective implementation. Finally, we highlight the capacity-building potential of using handhelds in community-based participatory research and offer guidelines on selecting appropriate hardware and software.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Computer-Assisted
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.