Health and Wellness Informatics News
The paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research. Public Health also covered the talk about social determinants’ impact.
Recent studies showed that mobile health technologies lessen the impact of social determinants. The area of coverage includes the South Korean population.
It looks into the effects of social determinants of health (SDOH). It talks about health efficiency and health status. Also, it states the reduced impact on health outcomes.
This survey took place in July – August last year. The author commissioned a professional research firm in South Korea.
1,187 participants with an average age of 44 drew in this survey. By the purview of sex, there were more female respondents. Almost half had a bachelor’s degree. Also, the monthly household income was approximately between $3,000 and $4,000.
The study’s data claimed that men were more confident about managing their health. People having higher education claimed themselves to be healthier. Participants with higher monthly income also reported superior health status.
The use of mobile health eased the effects of SDOH on a person’s self-health management. It also affected their personal view of health.
Especially, household income and social capital “had weaker influences”. Self-efficiency and health status for users of mobile health showed lessened impacts.
Moreover, social and economic factors influence self-efficiency and well-being. This is common among underserved populations. Mobile health also reduces the adverse effects of societal, economic inequality.
The quality of medical care is not under any influence by mobile health. Mobile healthcare systems are not capable of replacing traditional health care.
The study suggests the lack of proper attention on mobile health technologies. Nine in 10 of its population own a smartphone in the country.
Less than a quarter claimed their overdependence on devices. Smartphone ownership leads to an increase in the usage of mobile health apps in South Korea.
The study suggests the need to encourage the usage of mobile health. It tends to increase the reach among underserved populations. Even though it highlights small effects of mobile health, it can still induce a change.
It has the potential to serve as a buffer for gender, household income, and social capital. These factors widen health disparities.
