z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Smartphone Technology to Empower People Experiencing Homelessness: Secondary Analysis
Author(s) -
Whitney Thurman,
Monika Semwal,
Leticia R. Moczygemba,
Mark Hilbelink
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jmir. journal of medical internet research/journal of medical internet research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.446
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1439-4456
pISSN - 1438-8871
DOI - 10.2196/27787
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , psychological intervention , context (archaeology) , psychology , mental health , self management , applied psychology , public relations , qualitative research , sociology , computer science , political science , psychiatry , paleontology , social science , machine learning , biology
Background In the United States, the number of people experiencing homelessness has continually increased over the last 3 years. Homelessness is associated with poor health, and people experiencing homelessness are often burdened with high rates of chronic and mental health conditions, functional limitations, and cognitive impairment. Despite the high burden of chronic illness and functional limitations, there is limited literature exploring self-management among homeless populations. Objective This study aims to investigate how access to smartphone technology facilitates self-management, including the attainment of social needs within the context of homelessness. Methods A secondary analysis of 33 exit interviews from 2 feasibility studies related to mobile health interventions among people experiencing homelessness was conducted. Iterative thematic analysis was used to identify themes representative of participants’ experiences using smartphone technology. Results Collectively, participants revealed not only how the context of homelessness constrained their ability to engage in activities necessary to self-manage health and meet social needs but also how consistent and predictable access to the tools available through a smartphone changed their behaviors and outlook. The global theme of empowered by technology was identified and defined as how having a smartphone with a plan for unlimited text, calling, data, and transportation allowed participants to navigate homelessness and facilitated self-management. Conclusions People experiencing homelessness used the tools on a smartphone to make decisions, take action, solve problems, and use the resources—skills necessary for fulfilling tasks required for effective self-management. Further, consistent access to smartphone technology and transportation empowered participants to meet the requirements for the attainment of social needs.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here