Smartphone Ownership and Use among Diverse Older Adult New York City Housing Authority Residents: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Survey (Preprint)

Abstract

Health disparities are generally worse for New York City (NYC) public housing residents compared to the rest of the population. Extensive research has proven mobile Health (mHealth) interventions effective for improving health outcomes, including among low socioeconomic status and diverse populations. However, little research is available about the use of smartphones specifically among older adult, public housing residents.

The objective of this study, conducted from 2017-2018, was to assess how minority and bilingual NYC public housing residents 50 years and older access and use mobile technology.

Anonymous cross-sectional surveys (N=184) were administered to long-term, NYC public housing residents (50 years and older). Socio-demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, income, language), and a brief survey assessing technology use and access were included. Smartphone ownership, internet access, frequency of app use, and app use were evaluated.

Among smartphone users (N=139), 69.1% reported having an unlimited internet/data plan; 75% reported using smartphone apps “sometimes/often”. Participants also reported on their app usage. Texting was most used (91.1%), followed by music (76.4%) and email (75.6%). Racial/ethnic differences in app use were not statistically significant.

This study contributes to the literature on smartphone use and app use among older adult, public housing residents and suggests in app use. Researchers and practitioners should consider promoting and developing interventions for populations of low-income adults over 50 years that include text and email applications.