UC San Diego

Mobile applications hold promise for improving healthy behaviors and increasing engagement in health care among persons who inject drugs (PWID). However, concerns about the availability and use of mobile technology among this population may inhibit innovation in this area. Feasibility and acceptability of using mobile technology must be assessed with this population. The goal of this dissertation is to identify the individual, social and contextual factors that influence mobile technology use among PWID, to inform the development of future mHealth research and intervention activities. This research addresses the following specific aims: Aim 1 : To determine the prevalence and identify correlates of cell phone ownership among PWID living in Tijuana, BC, Mexico. Aim 2 : To determine classes of mobile technology use behavior among PWID living in San Diego, CA and identify correlates associated with these classes. Aim 3 : To determine the longitudinal correlates of smartphone ownership among PWID in San Diego, CA. To meet these aims, this dissertation used data from "The Study of Tuberculosis, AIDS and Hepatitis C Risk." (STAHR II, PI: Garfein; R01DA03107401A1) in San Diego, and the "Proyecto El Cuete" study (PI: Strathdee; R37DA019829) in Tijuana. This research fills a gap in the existing knowledge about mobile technology use among PWID and may be used to inform the future development and implementation of mHealth research and interventions among this population