ArticleJMIR human factors2024
Health Technology Access and Peer Support Among Digitally Engaged People Experiencing Homelessness: Qualitative Study.
Article in JMIR human factors, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Peer health literacy level and health literacy among school-aged children and adolescents: a multilevel moderated mediation model of internet health information acquisition.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Supporting street medicine through medical informatics: a manifesto on research needs.BMJ health & care informatics · 2026Article
- Barriers to and facilitators of healthcare access among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic scoping review.International journal for equity in health · 2026Article
- Telemedicine adoption in Hungary: insights from two representative population surveys (2021-2024).BMC health services research · 2026Article
- Access to mental health services: the perspective of people experiencing homelessness.Revista brasileira de enfermagem · 2026Article
- Co-Design of a Health Screening Program Fact Sheet by People Experiencing Homelessness and ChatGPT: Focus Group Study.JMIR formative research · 2025Article
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3 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundAlthough the effects of digital health are receiving wide scientific attention, very little is known about the characteristics of digitally engaged people experiencing homelessness, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Our previous research revealed a considerable level of internet use in the homeless population of Budapest, Hungary, for general purposes (350/662, 52.9%) and medical purposes (229/664, 34.6%). Moreover, a digitally engaged subgroup was identified (129/662, 19.5%).
objectiveThe aim of this exploratory study was to map out the resources, attitudes, and behaviors of digitally engaged homeless individuals in relation to digital technology to set the basis for potential health policy interventions, which will enable better access to health services through strengthening of the digital components of the existing health care system.
methodsBetween August 18, 2022, and October 27, 2022, a total of 12 in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in 4 homeless shelters in Budapest, Hungary. Upon analysis by 3 independent evaluators, 2 interviews were excluded. The interviewees were chosen based on purposive sampling with predefined inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted.
resultsIn the thematic analysis, 4 main themes (attitude, access, usage patterns, and solutions for usage problems) emerged. Health-related technology use mostly appeared in health information-seeking behavior. Online search for prescribed medications (5 interviews), active ingredients of medications (4 interviews), medicinal herbs believed to replace certain pills (2 interviews) or foods, and natural materials (1 interview) were mentioned. Moreover, mobile health app use (3 interviews) was reported. The intention to circumvent or check on mainstream health care solutions was mainly associated with previous negative experiences in the health care system. Several gaps in the daily use of technology were identified by the interviewees; however, more than half of the interviewees (6/10) turned out to be contact points for their peers for digital problem-solving or basic digital literacy skill enhancement in the homeless shelters. Furthermore, a lack of institutional support or special programs targeting senior clients was noted.
conclusionsDigitally engaged homeless individuals might become mediators between their peers and comprehensive digital health programs. They have the trust of their peers, can recognize and harness the benefits of digital technology, and are able to provide meaningful help in technology- and usage-related issues through experience. Digital health services have great promise in community shelters for managing and preventing health issues, and digitally engaged individuals might be important for the success of such services.
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