Commercial Mhealth Apps and Exploitative Value Trade-Offs

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 148-148
Author(s):  
Leon Rossmaier ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Benefit ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Insight Into

"Mobile health (mHealth) apps are becoming progressively important for primary care, disease prevention, and public health interventions. They promise to empower its users by offering them more independence, better access to health services, and more insight into their health status resulting in better informed medical decision-making and lifestyle changes. Disadvantages of mHealth apps often include a lack of privacy protection, a decrease in personal attachment, and the acceptance of a normative conception of health challenging the user’s self-determination. Privacy, attachment, and self-determination are, alongside health, linked to fundamental dimensions of human well-being. Users of mHealth apps can either accept those disadvantages or abstain from using this technology entirely. Users, therefore, have to trade-off fundamental dimensions of well-being to gain a certain health benefit if they want to use commercial mHealth apps. This presentation will clarify the values most relevant in this context, focusing on privacy, self-determination, and attachment. I claim that these values imply fundamental conditions of well-being that should not be undermined, especially in the context of health care. I will argue that the value trade-offs users must engage in are an instance of mutually advantageous agreements by which the provider of the app takes unfair advantage of the user. This renders such agreements exploitative. I will discuss the notion of exploitation that I think applies in this case and explain under what circumstances exploitative agreements that come with the use of commercial mHealth apps oppose the empowerment narrative. "

Improving Global Health With Smartphone Technology

2019 ◽  
pp. 54-75
Author(s):  
Swateja Nimkar ◽  
Erin Elysia Gilles
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Applications ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Smartphone Technology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mhealth Apps

The widespread use of smartphones makes them a popular platform for healthcare applications. This article reveals the global trends and overarching goals of mHealth initiatives that seek to enhance healthcare quality, increase access to health services, and improve global health communication. Three main themes emerged from this study: a) the impact of mHealth on international public health, b) overcoming mhealth barriers, and c) emerging mHealth technologies. The costs of developing mHealth apps and handling related data security concerns are the key barriers which need to be addressed to successfully implement global mHealth campaigns. Future directions of mHealth research are discussed, including the integration of new technologies, development of innovative healthcare systems, and overall improvement of global healthcare.

ICTS and Their Role in Health Promotion

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motshedisi B. Sabone ◽  
Keitshokile D. Mogobe ◽  
Tiny G. Sabone
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Level Of Effort

This chapter presents findings of mini-survey that utilized an exploratory descriptive design to examine the accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and utility of ICTs with specific reference to health promotion for selected rural communities. Specifically, the study focused on access to radio, television, mobile phone, and Internet services at a level of effort and cost that is both acceptable to and within the means of a large majority in a given village. The findings indicate that ICTs gadgets explored have opened up possibility for health services and information to reach even people in the rural areas. Ultimately, access affects the general well-being of individuals. One of the major initiatives under the umbrella of health is improving access to health services and information; and this covers among other things, expanding the delivery of health information through the radio and television. This study confirms breakthrough in this respect. Challenges that accompany the use of these ICT gadgets include no connectivity in some areas and lack of training to use them.

Consumer-Level Perceived Access to Health Services and Its Effects on Vulnerability and Health Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Tanner ◽  
Richard J. Vann ◽  
Elvira Kizilova
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Close Link ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Perceived Access ◽  
The Relationship

Access to health services affects the well-being of millions of consumers. Although the topic of health-related access is regularly featured in popular and academic conversations, these conversations primarily concentrate on objective or situational access factors. This research focuses instead on consumers’ subjective perception of access to better appreciate how personally experienced service availability and ease of access jointly determine consumers’ access perceptions. The authors find that perceived access to health services (PAHS) offers insight into the relationships between access, perceived health vulnerability, and overall health. Through scale development and a series of three theory-testing studies, this work demonstrates the close link between PAHS and perceived vulnerability (Study 1), connects this relationship to overall health (Studies 1–3), and establishes behavioral changes associated with access-vulnerability concerns (Study 2). Moreover, Study 3 finds evidence for a “muting” effect of health system distrust on the relationship between PAHS and perceived vulnerability as well as an “amplifying” effect of health motivation on the relationship between perceived vulnerability and overall health. Together, these studies illustrate PAHS’s relevance for explaining consumer vulnerability and overall health.

scholarly journals Analisa dan Aplikasi Konsep Risiko pada Populasi Wanita Hamil

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
Wiwin Wiarsih
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Health And Development ◽  
The Impact

Angka kematian ibu ditentukasn oleh tingkat kesejahteraan individu wanita hamil dalam keluarga. Kondisi ini akan menentukan tingkat kesehtan dan perkembangan anak sebagai satu faktor yang menentukan kesehatan dan menjadi satu indicator dari keejahteraan suatu Negara. Penyebab utama tingginya angka kematian ibu di Negara-negara berkembang adalah belum optimalnya penanganan kasus-kasus berisiko. Penatalaksanaan kasus-kasus berisiko dilakukan terlambat karena kurangnya kesadaran klien untuk mengatasi masalah-masalah kesehatannya, kurangnya informasi, kurangnya jangkauan pelayanan kesehata, dan kurang berkualitasnya sumber daya manusia khususnya pada petugas pelayan kesehatan. Wanita hamil adalah salah satu populasi yang seharusnya diberikan perhatian lebh karena setiap wanita hamil mempunyai kesempatan yang sama untuk mendapatkan penanganan masalah-masalah kesehatan. Faktor-faktor risiko memungkinkanseorang wanita hamil menjadi berisiko tinggi untuk mempunyai masalah-masalah kesehatan, termasuk status sosial ekonomi dan sosio demografi, stress dan gaya hidup, dan praktek kesehatan personal. Untuk menurunkan pengaruh label atau stigma “risiko’ dalam masyarakat adalah suatu tantangan untuk profesi kesehatan mengembangkan pendekatan yang efektif dalam pelayanan kesehatan sehingga akan didapatkab suatu hasil yang optimal. The level of individual well being in a family determines the maternal mortality rate. This condition will determine the level of child health and development as an important determinant of health that is an indicator of well being in a country. The main cause of high levels of of maternal mortality in developing countries as a lack of case management of the “at risk’ individual or population; management of “at risk” cases is too late. This is because of lack awareness of “at risk” client in overcoming the problems, lack of information, lack of access to health services, and lack of quality of human resource especially of health care every pregnant woman has the same probability of developing problems. The risk factors enable of pregnant women to become hig risk to have the health problems including socioeconomic status, sociodemographic status, life style and life events, and personal health practices. To decrease the impact of the “at risk” label or stigma in the community, a challenge for the health professional is to develop partnership and multisectoral approach with community so that an optimal outcome will be attained.

ICTS and Their Role in Health Promotion

2012 ◽  
pp. 211-224
Author(s):  
Motshedisi B. Sabone ◽  
Keitshokile D. Mogobe ◽  
Tiny G. Sabone
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Level Of Effort

This chapter presents findings of mini-survey that utilized an exploratory descriptive design to examine the accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and utility of ICTs with specific reference to health promotion for selected rural communities. Specifically, the study focused on access to radio, television, mobile phone, and Internet services at a level of effort and cost that is both acceptable to and within the means of a large majority in a given village. The findings indicate that ICTs gadgets explored have opened up possibility for health services and information to reach even people in the rural areas. Ultimately, access affects the general well-being of individuals. One of the major initiatives under the umbrella of health is improving access to health services and information; and this covers among other things, expanding the delivery of health information through the radio and television. This study confirms breakthrough in this respect. Challenges that accompany the use of these ICT gadgets include no connectivity in some areas and lack of training to use them.

scholarly journals Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: the case of the Gaza Strip

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam Abu Hamad ◽  
Nicola Jones ◽  
Ingrid Gercama
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Health ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Abstract Background: Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also as an integral part of development, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rapid physical, psychosocial and behavioural changes that take place during adolescence have a strong influence on the rest of a person’s life course, so investments in adolescent health services constitute a unique opportunity to reap lifelong and inter-generational dividends. Yet the evidence base on adolescents’ access to health services, particularly in conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores adolescents’ access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. Methods: The article draws on mixed-methods research in the Gaza Strip in 2016 and 2017 involving 240 adolescents and 65 service providers, combining a QuickTapSurvey,™ key informant interviews, peer-to-peer research and individual in-depth interviews. Results: The findings underscore that gender norms—especially those pertaining to adolescent girls’ sexual purity––shape adolescent health in multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions on their mobility and social interactions, leaving them with limited opportunities for leisure or exercise, socializing with peers or seeking health (including mental health) services. Adolescent boys in Gaza do not face the same restrictions, but given the multiple political, economic and familial stressors, they are at high risk of substance abuse and involvement in peer violence. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care. Study participants cited the main challenges as an absence of preventive adolescent health initiatives and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as drug shortages, high treatment costs, and negative interactions with service providers. Conclusions: The article highlights the importance of (1) designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information; (2) promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents; and (3) improving service provider awareness of adolescents’ specific health needs in all contexts.

Qualitative Methods and Neighborhood Health Research

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danya E. Keene
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Insight Into

This chapter discusses qualitative methods in neighborhood health research, including the use of individual interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. The majority of studies examining the role of neighborhoods and health outcomes have been quantitative in nature. However, qualitative methods offer an important contribution to our understanding of how neighborhoods shape health and well-being. By drawing on resident perspectives and observations of daily life to illuminate complex and often previously unknown processes, qualitative methods can help to shed light on how places shape health behavior, how place affects access to health risks and resources, or how experiences of place may get under the skin to affect health. These methods can also provide insight into the agency of residents who actively engage with the structural features of their environment.

Transgender People in Australia and New Zealand: Health, Well-being and Access to Health Services

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian K. Pitts ◽  
Murray Couch ◽  
Hunter Mulcare ◽  
Samantha Croy ◽  
Anne Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Transgender People ◽  
Access To Health

scholarly journals Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam Abu Hamad ◽  
Nicola Jones ◽  
Ingrid Gercama
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Abstract Background Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also as an integral part of development, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 3 – to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rapid physical and psychosocial changes that take place during adolescence have a strong influence on the rest of a person’s life course, so investments in adolescent health services constitute a unique opportunity to reap inter-generational dividends. Yet the evidence base on adolescents’ access to health services, particularly in conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores adolescents’ access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. Methods The article draws on mixed methods research in the Gaza Strip conducted in 2016 and 2017 as part of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence research programme. Data were collected from 240 male and female adolescents combining in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a tablet-based survey. This study also draws on a participatory action pilot project engaging 12 boys and 23 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years old. Results The findings underscore that gender norms—especially those pertaining to adolescent girls’ sexual purity––shape adolescent health in multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions on their mobility, leaving them with limited opportunities for leisure or exercise, socializing with peers or seeking health services and information. Adolescent boys in Gaza do not face the same restrictions, but given the multiple political, economic and familial stressors, they are at high risk of substance abuse including smoking and involvement in peer violence. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care. Study participants cited the main challenges being an absence of preventive adolescent health initiatives and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as drug shortages, high treatment costs, and inappropriate interactions with service providers. Conclusions The article highlights the importance of designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information and promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents.

The place of social work in improving access to health services among refugees: A case study of Nakivale settlement, Uganda

2020 ◽  
pp. 002087282096219
Author(s):  
Hadijah Mwenyango
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cultural Challenges ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

About 70.8 million individuals are displaced worldwide, and of these, 25.9 million are refugees. Accessibility to health care is a central aspect of the well-being of refugees. This article examines the communication, institutional and socio-cultural challenges to access and use of health services among refugee women and children and conceptualises the social work position in tackling such issues. The study used mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings indicate complex experiences of refuge and ongoing gendered oppression and vulnerability. This research proposes a rights-based social work approach to addressing impediments at micro, meso and macro levels.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document