Access to and use of cell phones for health information by tribal college students in MT
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the availability and use of cell phones for health education and promotion purposes in two tribal college communities in Montana.
The study examined:
- Variability of access and use by rurality & age
- Tobacco use characteristics of the population.
Rationale/Conceptual Basis/Background
Mobile communications technology is increasingly used for health education and promotion and as a mechanism to support healthy activities. In 2014 it was reported that 90% of the population in the U.S. have cell phones (Pew, 2014). Undergraduate college students in the U.S. are among the most “connected”, with 92% owning personal laptops and/or cell phones and 98% having internet access (Smith, Rainie, & Zickuhr, 2011). A Cochrane review of mobile phone messaging reported high quality evidence that mobile phone messaging programs intended to enhance tobacco cessation were significantly associated with higher likelihood of quitting smoking than control groups. Successful tobacco cessation was documented with the indigenous Maoris in New Zealand - 28% of the intervention groups compared to 13% of control group successfully stopped smoking (Rodgers et al., 2005). The Behavioral Health Collaborative for Rural American Indian Communities included a modification of this successful study to focus on students at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) in the US.
There is limited data about the availability of cell phones and networks in Indian Country and the acceptability of electronic media for health promotion purposes by American Indian college students.
Methods
This project was designed as a descriptive study. The research universities and tribal colleges’ IRBs determined to study to be exempt. The inclusion criteria were that participants had to be self-reported American Indian, at least a part time student at the TCU and 18 years of age or greater. The twenty two multiple choice questions queried respondents regarding their access to, use of, and preferences regarding cell phone use for health education and promotion purposes. Participants were recruited at the tribal college by student workers and researchers. Participants were given $10 after completion of the survey. 200 paper pencil surveys were gathered from two tribal college sites in December of 2013.
Results
Approximately 36% of tribal college students reported smoking. The mean age for tobacco use initiation was 15.7 years, with a range of 8 – 30 years. 98% of students had access to a computer, although less than 60% had access every day. 91% had a cell phone, but not all had unlimited text. Half of the respondents stated they would be interested in participating in a smoking cessation study using cell phones. Variations in characteristics of students and responses was assessed by RUCA code and statistically significant differences identified. Results of the surveys were shared with tribal college presidents.
Implications
This study will help address a deficit in the literature regarding cell phone and internet access for tribal and younger populations in rural communities. Effective development and deployment of health education and promotion requires knowledge of the access to and acceptability of content by priority users.