Recent advances in technologies that allow for the collection of volunteered geographic information (VGI) are providing new opportunities for health research. These technologies provide for the collection of time-sensitive, fl uid data from a broad pool of subjects using sophisticated yet easy-to-use data collection tools -principally the smartphone and other location-aware devices. Never before has it been so easy for health researchers to collect and analyze real-time location-based data. The result of which can provide continuously updated datasets that often capture a more than just a snapshot of events or environmental factors. These technologies also allow the researcher to create novel datasets that do not presently exist. However, the use of such technologies to collect potentially identi fi able data poses risks to both the researcher and the subject. The tools introduce new challenges and ethical problems if used improperly for health research. This chapter investigates both the potential of VGI in public health research while discussing some challenges of using technology platforms that can leverage and provide collection tools for volunteered geographic information.
Mobile phone surveys are increasingly common in low-and middle-income countries, but the methodology for these surveys is still emerging. This brief addresses a critical question: How should researchers handle nonworking phone numbers in response rate calculations?A common formula for response rates (American Association for Public Opinion Research [AAPOR] 2016) is:Nonworking numbers are not assigned to any person; they are "not eligible" (AAPOR 2016: 18) and should be excluded from the calculation.Identifying nonworking numbers in lower income countries can be challenging. There are internationally standardized call outcome codes (see examples here) for voice modes (e.g., interactive voice response). However, mobile network operators oftentimes do not assign codes correctly. For example, a mobile network operator we worked with assigned integrated services digital network (ISDN) code 19 (no answer) to nonworking numbers instead of ISDN code 1 (unallocated or unassigned). As a result, we could not distinguish numbers that were working and nonworking. Text-based surveys (e.g., short message service or SMS) are even more challenging because there are not standardized codes, as there are for voice. Furthermore, information about call outcomes varies by mobile network operator and country.If nonworking numbers cannot be identified, researchers may tend to lump nonworking and working numbers in an "unknown eligibility" category, which
This paper describes a free and open source information system designed to be deployed in emergencies caused by sudden onset natural disasters. The aim is to streamline the communication flow and collaboration between media, aid workers and government agencies with the affected population, to help the latter get verified, accurate and actionable information that will enable them to make decisions and recover from the disaster.
The EIS system also provides means for affected population and field workers to channel vital data back up into aid response. This tool is part of a free information service run by ThomsonReuters Foundation to help survivors of natural disasters. It will serve the affected populations, local media and relief responders by providing fast, practical and verified information in local languages through the best means available.
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