Disciplines
Health Policy
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background: Smartphone use is highest among young adults, at 96% for people aged 18–29 in the United States. Leveraging technological devices for healthcare interventions may be particularly effective with this group. Such leverage may include health care education, including navigating the healthcare system and understanding their health status. Purpose: This research assesses young adults' perspectives on healthcare in Georgia's Cobb and Douglas counties. This assessment provides essential findings to develop a cohesive strategy to remove the constraints and barriers due to this group's lack of program awareness. Method: Cobb & Douglas Public Health conducted focus groups on health and wellness with 18–29 years old participants. Qualitative data is the basis for this evaluation project. Results: Participants expressed a need for factual and relevant health and wellness information and identified various media and event channels that might provide such information. Developing an interactive smartphone app that provides such information, spurring engagement and awareness of health and wellness services, would likely serve this population well. Such an application could offer a platform for continuous innovative programs that benefit the community's varying demographics.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Social Work and Human Services
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Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez
A Smart Solution to Improve Health & Wellness Among Young Adults
Background: Smartphone use is highest among young adults, at 96% for people aged 18–29 in the United States. Leveraging technological devices for healthcare interventions may be particularly effective with this group. Such leverage may include health care education, including navigating the healthcare system and understanding their health status. Purpose: This research assesses young adults' perspectives on healthcare in Georgia's Cobb and Douglas counties. This assessment provides essential findings to develop a cohesive strategy to remove the constraints and barriers due to this group's lack of program awareness. Method: Cobb & Douglas Public Health conducted focus groups on health and wellness with 18–29 years old participants. Qualitative data is the basis for this evaluation project. Results: Participants expressed a need for factual and relevant health and wellness information and identified various media and event channels that might provide such information. Developing an interactive smartphone app that provides such information, spurring engagement and awareness of health and wellness services, would likely serve this population well. Such an application could offer a platform for continuous innovative programs that benefit the community's varying demographics.