Mature aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are using digital health technologies (original research)

Abstract

Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people avidly use technology for a variety of purposes. Digital health technologies offer a new way to build on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples propensity for early adoption and innovation with technology. Only limited research has focused on mature aged adults in non-urban locations as partners in digital health research and there is no research related to wearables for health tracking for this cohort. Objective This paper provides insights into mature aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults interest, use and trust of social media, apps and wearables to gain health information and manage health. Methods This cross-sectional survey study was co-designed and co-implemented with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in three locations in New South Wales, Australia. The 13-item survey was administered via a semi-structured interview. Results Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults ( n = 78), in regional, rural and remote locations indicated their interest in and use of apps and wearables for health purposes. Mature aged participants, particularly women, used Facebook, ACCHS websites and YouTube for acquiring health-related information which they then shared online and in real life with a diversity of family, friends and colleagues. Conclusions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are using digital health technologies to acquire and share health information and want to use apps and wearables for health management. Co-designed research enables a greater understanding of the diverse needs for different cohorts and informs culturally responsible design. Broader use of co-design will foster effective user-focused digital health communication and health-management.

Wearables for early detection of atrial fibrillation and timely referral for Indigenous people ≥55 years: mixed-methods protocol

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14] Research on the acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of wearable devices for monitoring and managing the health of older Indigenous people has not kept pace. [15][16][17][18] This research is especially necessary as the availability of wearable devices with functionalities to detect and monitor symptoms of chronic diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF) [19][20][21][22] and other cardiovascular diseases increases. 23 AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence among Indigenous Australians is higher than non-Indigenous Australians.…”

“…While there is a growing body of literature concerning phone apps and social media use for health purposes among younger Indigenous individuals 9–14. Research on the acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of wearable devices for monitoring and managing the health of older Indigenous people has not kept pace 15–18. This research is especially necessary as the availability of wearable devices with functionalities to detect and monitor symptoms of chronic diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF)19–22 and other cardiovascular diseases increases 23…”