Abstract A22: Challenges using mobile technology for research participation in preventive health research: A preliminary investigation with Spanish-speaking Latinas

Abstract

Technology offers significant contributions to improve health care. However, less than half of foreign-born Latinos utilize data applications. The acceptability and application of these new communication and data harnessing tools can present both opportunities and challenges for some. We report our observations of the challenges Latinas face using mobile technology. Latina mothers were recruited from a pilot diabetes risk reduction program. A total of 32 mothers participated in the program; 63% were Spanish speakers, 59% were foreign-born, 66% had ≤high school education, and 91% reported income <$40,000. Participants used a mobile device to perform two tasks: 1) complete an online survey on a tablet and 2) download and install a fitness tracker mobile application. Mothers 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. Most mothers required staff assistance to complete the survey and set up their fitness tracker. Spanish-speaking mothers 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), and creating an electronic account (χ2=7.882, p<0.05). Although participants were smartphone users, the majority needed dedicated, individual assistance to complete the tasks (e.g., survey and app). Growing evidence suggests that Latinos have the capacity to use mobile technology to increase healthy behaviors. Our findings suggest that lower-income Spanish speakers require more assistance with technology for research data collection. Studies and programs using mobile technology should account for the added staffing and resources required to conduct studies with this population. Citation Format: Alejandro Fernandez, Mayra Serrano, Marisela Garcia, Katty Nerio, Kimlin Ashing. Challenges using mobile technology for research participation in preventive health research: A preliminary investigation with Spanish-speaking Latinas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Modernizing Population Sciences in the Digital Age; 2019 Feb 19-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A22.