No digital divide? Technology use among homeless adults. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rhoades, Harmony; Wenzel, Suzanne L.; Rice, Eric; Winetrobe, Hailey; Henwood, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Journal of social distress and the homeless. Volume 26:Issue 1(2017:May)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Homelessness -- technology use -- cell phones -- internet access -- digital divide; Social problems -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Stress (Psychology) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Homelessness -- Periodicals; 362.505
• DOI: 10.1080/10530789.2017.1305140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1573-658X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Homeless adults experience increased risk of negative health outcomes, and technology-based interventions may provide an opportunity for improving health in this population. However, little is known about homeless adults' technology access and use. Utilizing data from a study of 421 homeless adults moving into PSH, this paper presents descriptive technology findings, and compares results to age-matched general population data. The vast majority (94%) currently owned a cell phone, although there was considerable past 3-month turnover in phones (56%) and phone numbers (55%). More than half currently owned a smartphone, and 86% of those used Android operating systems. Most (85%) used a cell phone daily, 76% used text messaging, and 51% accessed the Internet on their cell phone. One-third reported no past 3-month Internet use. These findings suggest that digital technology may be a feasible means of disseminating health and wellness programs to this at-risk population, though important caveats are discussed.