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
DOI:
10.11648/j.stpp.20250902.11
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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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,
Girmay Berhie
