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Jaworski BK, Webb Hooper M, Aklin WM, Jean-Francois B, Elwood WN, Belis D, Riley WT, Hunter CM. Advancing digital health Equity: Directions for behavioral and social science research. Transl Behav Med 2022; 13:132-139. [PMID: 36318232 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The field of digital health is evolving rapidly and encompasses a wide range of complex and changing technologies used to support individual and population health. The COVID-19 pandemic has augmented digital health expansion and significantly changed how digital health technologies are used. To ensure that these technologies do not create or exacerbate existing health disparities, a multi-pronged and comprehensive research approach is needed. In this commentary, we outline five recommendations for behavioral and social science researchers that are critical to promoting digital health equity. These recommendations include: (i) centering equity in research teams and theoretical approaches, (ii) focusing on issues of digital health literacy and engagement, (iii) using methods that elevate perspectives and needs of underserved populations, (iv) ensuring ethical approaches for collecting and using digital health data, and (v) developing strategies for integrating digital health tools within and across systems and settings. Taken together, these recommendations can help advance the science of digital health equity and justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth K Jaworski
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Monica Webb Hooper
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Will M Aklin
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Beda Jean-Francois
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - William N Elwood
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Deshirée Belis
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - William T Riley
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Christine M Hunter
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
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