Information and Communication Technologies, eHealth and Homelessness: A bibliometric review

A bibliometric review was conducted to assess the available scientific knowledge regarding the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (IEH) and reflect on the existing evidence that ICT use has on their health. A total of 50 published articles were selected after a process of systematic review from five databases containing record of publications up until 2016. All the studies were published in English, half of the works were published in the last three years and 48% of them included the description of ICT use as an objective. Despite the fact that experimental studies were rare, and sample sizes typically small, it was concluded that the studies analyzing the effect of ICT on health display benefits. ndeed, the use of such technology offers promising opportunities to explore new ways of intervention in prevention, harm reduction and health treatment of IEH

Homeless Adults, Technology and Literacy Practices

Some research has explored perspectives held by the homeless on technology use (Borchard, 2010; Eyrich-Garg, 2010, 2011; Harpin, Davis, Low, & Gilroy, 2016; Hersberger, 2002/2003; Pollio, Batey, Bender, Ferguson, & Thompson, 2013). Few studies have however focused on understanding this population’s use of technology for literacy purposes (Hendry, 2011; Muggleton & Ruthven, 2012), as distinct from their more general technology use, such as acquiring the skills to improve their station in life or to enhance their health, or utilize social services. Employing symbolic interactionism (Blumer, 1969) as a conceptual framework and using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study examines technology use for literacy purposes by the homeless. It also investigates the meanings that these participants direct toward technology. The findings suggest diverse technology uses that enhance the participants’ access to social services. Other responses indicate differences in the conceptions and uses of technology for literacy purposes. The participants also made recommendations to us for the state and the nearby state university to support their literacy practices and access to technology. The insights from this study should be of value to educators, policy makers, city governments, and social and community personnel in improving adult literacy and social services programs