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Online Program

333846
Geographic disparities in willingness to engage in mobile health information exchange


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Katrina J. Serrano, PhD, CHES, Science of Research and Technology Branch, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
Audie A. Atienza, PhD, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Behavioral Research Program, Science of Research and Technology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: Mobile phone ownership has increased among US adults, even for those living in rural areas. This offers possible opportunities for patients and providers to engage in mobile health information exchange (HIE). Yet, little is known about individuals’ willingness to engage in mobile HIE. Studies suggest that certain demographic factors are associated with mobile HIE, but the influences of geographic location on mobile HIE are not well understood.

Purpose: This study explored the association between geographic location and willingness to exchange 9 different types of health information (HI) via mobile phones.

Methods: We analyzed the 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (n=3165). Ordered logistic regression was used to examine willingness to exchange 9 different types of HI by urban/rural and regional location, controlling for other demographics.

Results: Preliminary results showed that rural residents were less willing to exchange appointment (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.41-0.98) and medication reminders (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.43-0.92), as well as lifestyle behaviors (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.40-0.90) via mobile phone versus urban residents. West South Central region residents were less willing to exchange lifestyle behaviors (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.31-0.92) and digital images/video (OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.40-0.98) versus Pacific region residents.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that there are geographic disparities in willingness to engage in mobile HIE. Those living in rural areas and in the West South Central (i.e., Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas) showed less willingness to use mobile phones for HIE. Future research should further examine mobile HIE use in at-risk health locations (e.g., rural south) to see if mobile interventions can improve health.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the influences of geographic location on willingness to exchange different types of health information via mobile phones. Identify the prevalence of willingness to engage in mobile health information exchange in a population-based sample.

Keyword(s): Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been involved in several federally funded projects related to health disparities. In my current role as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute, I examine mobile health technology and its impacts on health behaviors and health disparities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4354.0: Social Media and Health Promotion Interventions (organized by HCWG)