Exploring the potential of digital devices in accessing health care services among the population of an urban slum

Objectives: Digital devices can prove to be a boon for providing better healthcare to residents of the urban slums. We explore the accessibility to and usage of digital devices by the residents of the urban slum in our field practice area, along with how these may have helped in their health care. We aim to report on the current access, purpose, and association of using digital devices by residents of the slum, along with exploring the gaps and potential opportunities for improving health services. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in an urban slum located in the catchment area of the urban health training center established by the medical college. A house-to-house interview was conducted utilizing a validated questionnaire. All data were recorded on the questionnaire using the interview method by the investigator. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel. Statistical parameters of frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square test were utilized. Results: 88% of the families had at least one digital device. The study finds that although the rate of device ownership is surprisingly high, the number of households utilizing them for the purpose of obtaining a health-related benefit is extremely low. Conclusion: The study concludes that the utilization of digital devices such as mobile phones for availing health-related facilities among the residents of the urban slum is strikingly low. Targeted programs to generate awareness regarding the available digital facilities and mHealth applications can prove to be helpful in improving their health-related outcomes.