Designing Technology-Assisted Interventions for Justice-Impacted Black American Women

Presentation Time: 02:24 PM - 02:36 PM

Abstract Keywords: User-centered Design Methods, Personal Health Informatics, Mobile Health, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Health Equity, Human-computer Interaction
Primary Track: Applications
Programmatic Theme: Consumer Health Informatics

This study explores the challenges faced by justice-impacted Black women during their reintegration into society, with a focus on mental health care access and the potential for technology-assisted interventions to address barriers. Participants from focus groups emphasized significant obstacles, including inadequate mental health resources during incarceration, insufficient post-release support, and barriers such as discrimination, lack of insurance, and transportation issues. Key recommendations for designing technology-assisted interventions, such as the Welcome Home app, include trauma-informed design, tiered support systems, integration with electronic health records, privacy protection, and culturally tailored content. The study underscores the importance of culturally relevant, user-centered digital solutions to improve health outcomes and facilitate the successful reintegration of Black women impacted by the criminal legal system. Apps that provide a sense of community promote engagement which may improve health outcomes.

Speaker(s):
Terika McCall, PhD, MPH, MBA
Yale School of Public Health

Author(s):
Amelea Lowery; Bria Massey, BS - Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Meera Swaminath, MPH - Lumanity; Shamima Afrose, MS, MPA - Yale School of Public Health; Monya Saunders, AA - Yale School of Medicine; Karen Wang, MD - Yale School of Medicine;