Abstract 5287: Challenges and opportunities using mobile technology for data collection in biomedical research: An observational discovery science investigation with Spanish-speaking Latinas

Abstract

Mobile devices including phones offer significant contributions to improve reach and convenience of research participation and data collection. Technological advancements have enabled smartphone devices to track health behaviors such as physical activity and provide convenient feedback as well as survey data. High usage of mobile devices i.e., smartphones among both US born and immigrant Latinos may not similarly translate to mobile technology utility for research participation among Latinos and other ethnic minority populations. Among Latinos, smartphones are primarily used for communication as only 50% use the data application capabilities. The acceptability and application of mobile data harnessing tools can present both opportunities and challenges for engaging this population in research. We report our observations of the challenges Latinas face using mobile technology for data collection. Latina mothers were recruited from school to participate in a behavioral nutrition and physical activity study for cancer and chronic disease reduction. A total of 38 enrolled and 32 participated in the intervention. 63% were Spanish speakers, 59% were foreign-born, 66% had ≤high school education, 91% reported income <$40,000. Participants used a mobile device to perform two tasks: 1) complete a REDCap online survey on a tablet and 2) download and install a fitness tracker mobile application. Latinas rated their confidence in their ability to use mobile technology using a 4- point Likert scale. Participants with little/no confidence requested paper versions of the survey. 88% required individualized research staff assistance to complete the survey and set-up their fitness tracker. Monolingual Spanish-speakers were more likely to report little/no confidence connecting to Wi-Fi (χ2=13.175, p<0.01), downloading an app (χ2=11.277, p=0.01), creating an electronic account (χ2=7.882, p<0.05). Our findings suggest that lower-income, Spanish-speakers require more assistance and ongoing guidance with technology applications and devices for research data collection. In fact, we found that about 20% shared the device (Fitbit) with family members, especially children to facilitate the participants' use of the device. However, this threatened data accuracy. Therefore, studies using mobile technology should account for the added staffing and resources required to conduct studies with this population. Addressing this barrier may require a pre-study session to train research participants on the study's technology applications. Further research is needed to evaluate and improve the applicability of mobile technology for increasing reach and participation, as well as validation of data accuracy for medically underserved and understudied populations. Citation Format: Kimlin T. Ashing, Alejandro Fernandez, Mayra Serrano, Marisela Garcia, Katty Nerio. Challenges and opportunities using mobile technology for data collection in biomedical research: An observational discovery science investigation with Spanish-speaking Latinas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5287.