Introduction
Wearable activity trackers (WATs) are transforming health research by providing high-resolution data on physical activity, sleep, and other health markers. While most studies have been conducted in high-income countries, there is growing interest in utilizing these devices in the global south. A recent study conducted in Kenya sheds light on the challenges and strategies involved in using WATs for adolescent psychotherapy research. Let's dive into the lessons learned and how you can apply them to enhance your practice.
Why Wearables?
WATs offer an economical and minimally invasive method to gather objective data, making them particularly useful in settings with limited access to psychological care. In Kenya, researchers used these devices to complement self-reported measures of depression and anxiety among adolescents. By capturing heart rate variability and physical activity, WATs provided valuable insights into the participants' daily lives and treatment effects.
Key Lessons Learned
- Validate Data Output: Ensure the chosen devices provide accurate and consistent data. The study initially used Xiaomi Mi bands but switched to Fitbit Charge due to accuracy issues. Validate your devices to avoid data discrepancies.
- Establish Procurement Processes: International procurement can be challenging. Plan ahead to navigate sourcing, shipping, and customs clearance. Establishing an internal procurement channel can help streamline this process.
- Provide Onsite Support: Technical issues and varying exposure to technology can hinder data collection. Offering onsite support ensures participants receive assistance with device-related challenges, enhancing data completeness.
- Designate a Full-Time Team Member: Managing WAT tasks requires dedicated human resources. Assign a full-time team member to oversee device setup, data extraction, and troubleshooting.
- Distribute Standardized Information Sheets: Provide participants with paper-based information sheets detailing study procedures, troubleshooting instructions, and contact information. This ensures participants have a reference for navigating study requirements.
Applying These Insights
For practitioners interested in incorporating WATs into their research or practice, these lessons offer valuable guidance. Validating devices, streamlining procurement, providing support, and preparing participants are essential steps to ensure successful implementation. By addressing these challenges, you can harness the power of WATs to gain deeper insights into mental health interventions.
Conclusion
WATs hold promise as a tool for ecologically valid data collection in the global south. While challenges exist, the insights gained from wearable data are invaluable for understanding treatment effects. By applying the lessons learned from the Kenyan study, practitioners can enhance their research and contribute to more robust mental health interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Using wearable activity trackers for research in the global south: Lessons learned from adolescent psychotherapy research in Kenya.
