39.6 MOBILE HEALTH FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH SOCIALLY COMPLEX NEEDS: ASSESSING USER NEEDS FOR ADOLESCENTS ON THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The use of mobile health (mHealth) applications to deliver behavioral interventions stands as a possible means to overcome barriers for adolescents with socially complex needs. Having socially complex needs refers to facing multiple adversities, such as being from a traditionally underserved population (eg, low socioeconomic status;racial, ethnic, gender, and/or sexual minority populations) or experiencing adverse childhood experiences. However, it is poorly understood regarding 1) how adolescents with socially complex needs use mobile phones;2) what specific vulnerabilities this technology creates for them;and 3) how to best fit their needs in their real-world environments. The purpose of this project was to utilize user-centered design (UCD) practices to assess the specific needs of adolescents from the West Side communities of Chicago who may benefit from access to mHealth tools to improve mental and behavioral health targets. Methods: Twenty adolescents, ages 12 to 17 years, and parents/caregivers (n = 20) are being recruited and screened through Rush University Medical Center–affiliated outpatient sites to participate in focus groups and complete self-report questionnaires. Focus groups follow a semi-structured interview format to assess usage practices and acceptability of mHealth tools for teens with socially complex needs, as well as needed cultural adaptations. Results: Recruitment and data collection are ongoing. All data will be collected and reported at the time of the conference regarding the mHealth practices and unmet needs of adolescents with socially complex needs. Qualitative data from focus groups will evaluate elements such as mobile phone usage and mental health needs. Quantitative data from self-report measures will assess elements such as psychological distress symptoms, mobile phone usage, and the impact of COVID-19 on families. Conclusions: These evaluations offer critical insights to optimize design opportunities for mHealth interventions to assess and access adolescents with socially complex needs. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent shelter-in-place orders, and social distancing policies, the study also highlights tele- and e-consent methodologies, remote recruitment methods, and engagement of focus groups via HIPAA-compliant and secure video services. SII, OTH, TVM