scholarly journals Characterizing the US Population by Patterns of Mobile Health Use for Health and Behavioral Tracking: Analysis of the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey Data

10.2196/16299 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. e16299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camella J Rising ◽  
Roxanne E Jensen ◽  
Richard P Moser ◽  
April Oh
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Behavioral Tracking ◽  
The Us ◽  
Health Related ◽  
National Trends

Background Multiple types of mobile health (mHealth) technologies are available, such as smartphone health apps, fitness trackers, and digital medical devices. However, despite their availability, some individuals do not own, do not realize they own, or own but do not use these technologies. Others may use mHealth devices, but their use varies in tracking health, behaviors, and goals. Examining patterns of mHealth use at the population level can advance our understanding of technology use for health and behavioral tracking. Moreover, investigating sociodemographic and health-related correlates of these patterns can provide direction to researchers about how to target mHealth interventions for diverse audiences. Objective The aim of this study was to identify patterns of mHealth use for health and behavioral tracking in the US adult population and to characterize the population according to those patterns. Methods We combined data from the 2017 and 2018 National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey (N=6789) to characterize respondents according to 5 mutually exclusive reported patterns of mHealth use for health and behavioral tracking: (1) mHealth nonowners and nonusers report not owning or using devices to track health, behaviors, or goals; (2) supertrackers track health or behaviors and goals using a smartphone or tablet plus other devices (eg, Fitbit); (3) app trackers use only a smartphone or tablet; (4) device trackers use only nonsmartphone or nontablet devices and do not track goals; and (5) nontrackers report having smartphone or tablet health apps but do not track health, behaviors, or goals. Results Being in the mHealth nonowners and nonusers category (vs all mHealth owners and users) is associated with males, older age, lower income, and not being a health information seeker. Among mHealth owners and users, characteristics of device trackers and supertrackers were most distinctive. Compared with supertrackers, device trackers have higher odds of being male (odds ratio [OR] 2.22, 95% CI 1.55-3.19), older age (vs 18-34 years; 50-64 years: OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.52-5.30; 65+ years: OR 6.28, 95% CI 3.35-11.79), have an annual household income of US $20,000 to US $49,999 (vs US $75,000+: OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.36-3.91), and have a chronic condition (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14-2.49). Device trackers also have higher odds of not being health information seekers than supertrackers (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.66-5.33). Conclusions Findings revealed distinctive sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of the population by pattern of mHealth use, with notable contrasts between those who do and do not use devices to track goals. Several characteristics of individuals who track health or behaviors but not goals (device trackers) are similar to those of mHealth nonowners and nonusers. Our results suggest patterns of mHealth use may inform how to target mHealth interventions to enhance reach and facilitate healthy behaviors.

scholarly journals Characterizing the US Population by Patterns of Mobile Health Use for Health and Behavioral Tracking: Analysis of the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey Data (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camella J Rising ◽  
Roxanne E Jensen ◽  
Richard P Moser ◽  
April Oh
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Behavioral Tracking ◽  
The Us ◽  
Health Related ◽  
National Trends

BACKGROUND Multiple types of mobile health (mHealth) technologies are available, such as smartphone health apps, fitness trackers, and digital medical devices. However, despite their availability, some individuals do not own, do not realize they own, or own but do not use these technologies. Others may use mHealth devices, but their use varies in tracking health, behaviors, and goals. Examining patterns of mHealth use at the population level can advance our understanding of technology use for health and behavioral tracking. Moreover, investigating sociodemographic and health-related correlates of these patterns can provide direction to researchers about how to target mHealth interventions for diverse audiences. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify patterns of mHealth use for health and behavioral tracking in the US adult population and to characterize the population according to those patterns. METHODS We combined data from the 2017 and 2018 National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey (N=6789) to characterize respondents according to 5 mutually exclusive reported patterns of mHealth use for health and behavioral tracking: (1) mHealth nonowners and nonusers report not owning or using devices to track health, behaviors, or goals; (2) supertrackers track health or behaviors and goals using a smartphone or tablet plus other devices (eg, Fitbit); (3) app trackers use only a smartphone or tablet; (4) device trackers use only nonsmartphone or nontablet devices and do not track goals; and (5) nontrackers report having smartphone or tablet health apps but do not track health, behaviors, or goals. RESULTS Being in the mHealth nonowners and nonusers category (vs all mHealth owners and users) is associated with males, older age, lower income, and not being a health information seeker. Among mHealth owners and users, characteristics of device trackers and supertrackers were most distinctive. Compared with supertrackers, device trackers have higher odds of being male (odds ratio [OR] 2.22, 95% CI 1.55-3.19), older age (vs 18-34 years; 50-64 years: OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.52-5.30; 65+ years: OR 6.28, 95% CI 3.35-11.79), have an annual household income of US $20,000 to US $49,999 (vs US $75,000+: OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.36-3.91), and have a chronic condition (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14-2.49). Device trackers also have higher odds of not being health information seekers than supertrackers (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.66-5.33). CONCLUSIONS Findings revealed distinctive sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of the population by pattern of mHealth use, with notable contrasts between those who do and do not use devices to track goals. Several characteristics of individuals who track health or behaviors but not goals (device trackers) are similar to those of mHealth nonowners and nonusers. Our results suggest patterns of mHealth use may inform how to target mHealth interventions to enhance reach and facilitate healthy behaviors.

scholarly journals Cancer Caregiving and Health Information Technology: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends (HINTS) Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria R. Nelson ◽  
Katharine M. Mitchell ◽  
Bree E Holtz
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Relationship Type ◽  
Technological Support ◽  
Caregiver Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Related ◽  
National Trends ◽  
General Technology

Abstract Purpose: In this paper, we explore how health technology use impacts informal caregivers’ health and how sociodemographic factors are related, using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the National Cancer Institutes’ Health Information and National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 2, 2018). Participants for the current study were chosen based on their response to one question related to their caregiving status. The sample size was 483 respondents. Variables of interest included caregiver relationship type, general technology use, portal use, and overall health status. Results: The results indicate that there was not a significant difference of caregiving role on portal usage, [F(5,99) = .975, p = .44, η2 = .049], and technology use [F(7, 462)=2.625, p=.01]. This demonstrates that those caregiving for a child are more likely to use technology for health related issues. There was not a significant effect of portal use on caregiver health. However, there was a significant effect of technology use on overall health (t = 2.074, p=.04). There was also a significant effect of demographics on general technology use [F(7, 434)= 14.858, p < .001]. Demonstrating as education and income increases, technology use also increases, and as age increases technology use decreases. Conclusion: This study affirmed that demographic inequalities can negatively impact technology and portal use, which could reduce the burden on caregivers. Therefore, it is important to work to engage cancer patients and their caregivers with technological support and resources.

scholarly journals Associations of Health App Use and Perceived Effectiveness in People With Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes: Population-Based Survey (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemens Ernsting ◽  
Lena Mareike Stühmann ◽  
Stephan U Dombrowski ◽  
Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons ◽  
Adelheid Kuhlmey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Mobile health apps can help to change health-related behaviors and manage chronic conditions in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus, but a certain level of health literacy and electronic health (eHealth) literacy may be needed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with mobile health app use in individuals with CVD or diabetes and detect relations with the perceived effectiveness of health apps among app users. METHODS The study used population-based Web-based survey (N=1500) among Germans, aged 35 years and older, with CVD, diabetes, or both. A total of 3 subgroups were examined: (1) Individuals with CVD (n=1325), (2) Individuals with diabetes (n=681), and (3) Individuals with CVD and diabetes (n=524). Sociodemographics, health behaviors, CVD, diabetes, health and eHealth literacy, characteristics of health app use, and characteristics of apps themselves were assessed by questionnaires. Linear and logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS Overall, patterns of factors associated with health app use were comparable in individuals with CVD or diabetes or both. Across subgroups, about every fourth patient reported using apps for health-related purposes, with physical activity and weight loss being the most prominent target behaviors. Health app users were younger, more likely to be female (except in those with CVD and diabetes combined), better educated, and reported more physical activity. App users had higher eHealth literacy than nonusers. Those users who perceived the app to have a greater effectiveness on their health behaviors tended to be more health and eHealth literate and rated the app to use more behavior change techniques (BCTs). CONCLUSIONS There are health- and literacy-related disparities in the access to health app use among patients with CVD, diabetes, or both, which are relevant to specific health care professionals such as endocrinologists, dieticians, cardiologists, or general practitioners. Apps containing more BCTs had a higher perceived effect on people’s health, and app developers should take the complexity of needs into account. Furthermore, eHealth literacy appears to be a requirement to use health apps successfully, which should be considered in health education strategies to improve health in patients with CVD and diabetes.

scholarly journals PNS187 US NATIONAL TRENDS OF MOBILE HEALTH APPS USE IN 2014 AND 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. S317
Author(s):  
X. Feng ◽  
T. Lavelle ◽  
P.J. Lin
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
National Trends

Digital Health Engagement in the US Population: Insights From the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e4
Author(s):  
Chelsea L. Ratcliff ◽  
Melinda Krakow ◽  
Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek ◽  
Bradford W. Hesse
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
National Trends

Objectives. To examine prevalence and predictors of digital health engagement among the US population. Methods. We analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data on 7 digital health engagement behaviors, as well as demographic and socioeconomic predictors, from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2, collected in 2018; n = 2698–3504). We fitted multivariable logistic regression models using weighted survey responses to generate population estimates. Results. Digitally seeking health information (70.14%) was relatively common, whereas using health apps (39.53%) and using a digital device to track health metrics (35.37%) or health goal progress (38.99%) were less common. Digitally communicating with one’s health care providers (35.58%) was moderate, whereas sharing health data with providers (17.20%) and sharing health information on social media (14.02%) were uncommon. Being female, younger than 65 years, a college graduate, and a smart device owner positively predicted several digital health engagement behaviors (odds ratio range = 0.09–4.21; P value range < .001–.03). Conclusions. Many public health goals depend on a digitally engaged populace. These data highlight potential barriers to 7 key digital engagement behaviors that could be targeted for intervention. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 20, 2021: e1–e4. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306282 )

Prevalence and Correlates of US Adult Public Opinion on Restricting Junk Food Advertising to Children on Social Media: 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ariella R. Korn ◽  
Kelly D. Blake ◽  
Heather D’Angelo ◽  
Jill Reedy ◽  
April Oh
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Junk Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Advertising To Children ◽  
National Trends ◽  
Advertising Restrictions

Abstract Objective: To describe US adults’ levels of support, neutrality, and opposition to restricting junk food advertising to children on social media and explore associations with sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Design: In 2020-2021, we used cross-sectional data from the National Cancer Institute’s 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey to estimate the prevalence of opinions toward advertising restrictions, and correlates of neutrality and opposition using weighted multivariable logistic regression. Setting: United States. Participants: Adults aged 18+ years. Results: Among the analytic sample (n=2852), 54% of adults were neutral or opposed to junk food advertising restrictions on social media. The odds of being neutral or opposed were higher among Non-Hispanic Black adults (vs non-Hispanic White; OR: 2.03 (95% CI: 1.26, 3.26)); those completing some college (OR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.34)) or high school or less (OR: 2.62 (95% CI: 1.74, 3.96)) (vs those with a college degree); those who were overweight (vs normal weight; OR: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.93)); and those reporting a moderate (OR: 1.45 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.88)) or conservative (OR: 1.71 (95% CI: 1.24, 2.35)) political viewpoint (vs liberal). Having strong (vs weaker) weight and diet-related cancer beliefs was associated with 53% lower odds of being neutral or opposed to advertising restrictions (OR: 0.47 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.61)). Conclusions: This study identified subgroups of US adults for whom targeted communication strategies may increase support for policies to improve children’s food environment.

An Integrated Approach Towards Developing Quality Mobile Health Apps for Cancer

2019 ◽  
pp. 46-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelina Kouroubali ◽  
Lefteris Koumakis ◽  
Haridimos Kondylakis ◽  
Dimitrios G. Katehakis
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Cancer Disease ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

The ever-growing demand for acquiring, managing, and exploiting patient health-related information has led to the development of several mobile health apps to support cancer patients. This chapter analyzes the clinical and technological characteristics of mobile apps enabling cancer patients to securely record, manage, and share their information online. It discusses issues relevant to increasing patient experience and acceptance, improving adherence to treatment, and effective support of coordinated care. Outcomes of recent research projects relevant to end user digital engagement, trust, interoperability, and usability/adaptability lead to an integrated approach towards developing quality mobile health apps. Improving quality of life and wellbeing in a secure and safe manner that respects the patients' privacy seems to be the key challenge. Regulation, standardization, and interoperability together with the existence of useful, accurate, and reliable tools for active patient engagement are imperative for efficient cancer disease management.

scholarly journals 3095 Perceived Knowledge of Palliative Care among Immigrants: A Secondary Data Analysis from the Health Information National Trends Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 136-137
Author(s):  
Amelia Barwise ◽  
Andrea Cheville ◽  
Mark Wieland ◽  
Ognjen Gajic ◽  
Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
The Us ◽  
National Trends ◽  
Source Of Information

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Immigrants to North America receive more interventions at end of life.The reasons for this are not entirely clear but may potentially be due to knowledge gaps. The primary objective of this study was to measure and describe levels of perceived knowledge about palliative care among immigrants to the US compared to those born in the US. Our secondary objective was to identify trusted sources for seeking information about palliative care among immigrants and compare these trusted sources with those born in the US. We hypothesized that immigrants would have less knowledge of palliative care than those born in US and would trust different sources for information about palliative care. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We analyzed data from the nationally representative 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2). Questionnaires were administered via mail between January and May 2018 to a population-based sample of adults. The primary outcome of interest was assessed using the item “How would you describe your level of knowledge about palliative care?” The secondary outcome of interest was determined using the item “Imagine you had a strong need to get information about palliative care, which of the following would you most trust as a source of information about palliative care?” All analyses were complete case analyses and conducted with survey commands using SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, USA). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and bivariate analyses run between the outcomes of interest and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, nativity, English language proficiency). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the role of nativity, controlling for statistically significant and relevant sociodemographic variables. Jackknife weighting was used to generate population-level estimates. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The response rate was 33% (n=3384) and included 2846 (85.3% weighted) born in the US and 492 (14.7% weighted) not born in the USA. About 70% of those born in the US and 77% of immigrants (weighted) responded that they had “never heard of palliative care.” Trusted sources of palliative care were very similar between the groups (all p > 0.05). Both groups’ preferred trusted source of palliative care knowledge was “health care provider,” with over 80% of respondents in each group selecting this option. Printed materials and social media were the least popular trusted sources among both groups. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, we found no association between poor knowledge of palliative care and nativity (p=0.22). Female respondents had 2.5-fold increased odds of reporting low levels of perceived knowledge of palliative care (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.76-3.78; p<0.001). Education was an important predictor of perceived knowledge of palliative care; as education level increased, so did perceived knowledge of palliative care (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Perceived knowledge of palliative care is poor generally, regardless of birthplace. Trusted sources for palliative care are similar between immigrants and those born in the US. Education is important and is a strong predictor of perceived knowledge of palliative care. Women perceive they have lower levels of knowledge of PC than men. Differences in end of life care between immigrants and non-immigrants cannot be explained by knowledge differences. Further research is needed to examine the potential factors including suboptimal communication between providers and immigrant patients to understand why these differences are noted. Future strategies for improving knowledge of palliative care should target health care providers as the key trusted source of information to help address deficits noted in this study.

scholarly journals Widespread Belief That Organic and Additive-Free Tobacco Products are Less Harmful Than Regular Tobacco Products: Results From the 2017 US Health Information National Trends Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 970-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Pearson ◽  
Meghan Moran ◽  
Cristine D Delnevo ◽  
Andrea C Villanti ◽  
M Jane Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Us ◽  
Widespread Belief ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
National Trends

Abstract Significance US smokers of Natural American Spirit, a brand marketed as “organic” and “additive-free,” are more likely than other cigarette smokers to believe that their brand might be less harmful than other brands. This article (1) describes the prevalence of belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco is less harmful than regular tobacco products in the US population and (2) describes the sociodemographic characteristics of adults who believe tobacco products with these descriptors are less harmful. Methods Data were drawn from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of US adults. Logistic regression models were used to examine correlates of the belief that “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than regular tobacco products. Results Overall, 26.7% of US adults and 45.3% of adult smokers believe that “organic” tobacco products are less harmful than regular tobacco products. Similarly, 35.2% of US adults and 47.1% of smokers believe that “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful. When examining gender, age, education, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and smoking status, only age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ~0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97, 0.99 for both outcomes) and smoking status (current vs. never smokers, aOR ~1.78, 95% CI 1.03, 3.07 for both outcomes) were correlates of believing that “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco is less harmful than regular tobacco products. Conclusions Belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than other products is widespread. Younger adults and current smokers are most likely to be misinformed by “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco product descriptors. Implications Belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than other products is widespread among US adults and most prevalent among smokers. Removal of terms that incorrectly imply reduced harm may correct current and future consumers’ misperceptions about the brand.

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