Research Article
Assessing the Impact of Healthcare Wearables on Improving Health Disparities in Minority Communities in Mississippi
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
71-79
Received:
2 May 2025
Accepted:
29 May 2025
Published:
24 July 2025
Abstract: This study examines perceptions of healthcare wearable technology among African American communities in Mississippi, focusing on two key demographic groups: church leaders and college students. As the first systematic investigation of this kind, the research explores critical factors influencing adoption and trust in wearable devices, including their perceived usefulness in managing chronic conditions, potential to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs, data-sharing willingness, and concerns about device accuracy and privacy. A mixed-methods approach analyzed survey data from 435 participants (247 church members and 188 students) using frequency distributions and chi-square tests. Findings reveal significant generational and group-based differences: older participants and church members reported more chronic conditions and stronger agreement on the benefits of wearables. At the same time, younger students expressed higher trust in data and greater comfort with sharing health information. Concerns around data security, affordability, and device accuracy, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones, emerged as key barriers to adoption. The study’s findings underscore the importance of culturally informed strategies to promote equitable access to wearable health technologies, especially in communities disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These insights can guide future public health initiatives and technology design to ensure inclusivity and address long-standing health disparities.
Abstract: This study examines perceptions of healthcare wearable technology among African American communities in Mississippi, focusing on two key demographic groups: church leaders and college students. As the first systematic investigation of this kind, the research explores critical factors influencing adoption and trust in wearable devices, including the...
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Research Article
Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, and Adoption of Consumer Wearables Among African Americans in Mississippi: A Public Health Analysis
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
80-90
Received:
11 August 2025
Accepted:
25 August 2025
Published:
13 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.stpp.20250902.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: African American communities in Mississippi face disproportionately high rates of chronic disease, yet the adoption of wearable health technologies, tools with the potential to improve health outcomes, remains limited. This study is the first systematic investigation of wearable devices use among African Americans in Mississippi, offering critical insights to inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at promoting health equity in minority communities. The primary objective of this study was to explore the difference/similar perceptions of African American church leaders regarding the use of wearable health devices compared to students, and to identify the cultural, economic, mistrust, cost, and technological barriers that impact adoption within their communities. A qualitative research design was used, involving 89 focus groups discussions with African American church leaders from Northern, Central, and Southern Mississippi. Sessions were conducted both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM), to understand individual and contextual factors influencing wearable devices adoption. Participants, primarily African American clergy and students aged 18 and older from 89 Christian denominations, expressed strong interest in wearable devices but cited several barriers to adoption. These included concerns over data privacy, cost, limited technological literacy, generational divides, and mistrust in healthcare systems. Older adults, in particular, viewed wearables as tools for younger people and lacked awareness of their health benefits. The study also found that African American clergy, as trusted community figures, who can play a pivotal role in influencing health behavior and could be instrumental in promoting wearable devices use through trust-building, education/preaching, and modeling as exemplary leaders by utilizing wearable devices. The broader dataset included 548 participants, allowing for robust demographic analysis. Results showed a health-conscious yet cautious population, highlighting the need for targeted culturally sensitive interventions. These should include educational outreach, financial assistance, and transparent communication about data use. Wearable devices have the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved African American communities. To unlock this potential, public health strategies must address key barriers, particularly those related to cost, trust, technological comfort, and awareness. By engaging faith leaders and community organizations in culturally aligned efforts, wearables can become effective tools for chronic disease management and health promotion. The study proposes the "Mississippi Model of Wearable Adoption," emphasizing collaboration among clergy, policymakers, and technology providers to drive equitable adoption and foster community trust.
Abstract: African American communities in Mississippi face disproportionately high rates of chronic disease, yet the adoption of wearable health technologies, tools with the potential to improve health outcomes, remains limited. This study is the first systematic investigation of wearable devices use among African Americans in Mississippi, offering critical ...
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,
Girmay Berhie
