Opportunities for engaging low-income, vulnerable populations in health care: A systematic review of homeless persons' access to and use of information technologies

D. Keith McInnes, Alice E. Li, Timothy P. Hogan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

We systematically reviewed the health and social science literature on access to and use of information technologies by homeless persons by searching 5 bibliographic databases. Articles were included if they were in English, represented original research, appeared in peer-reviewed publications, and addressed our research questions. Sixteen articles met our inclusion criteria. We found that mobile phone ownership ranged from 44% to 62%; computer ownership, from 24% to 40%; computer access and use, from47%to 55%; and Internet use, from 19% to 84%. Homeless persons used technologies for a range of purposes, some of whichwere health related. Many homeless persons had access to information technologies, suggesting possible health benefits to developing programs that link homeless persons to health care through mobile phones and the Internet.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e11-e24
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume103
Issue numberSUPPL. 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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