Wearable technology, physical activity, and research: a feasibility survey among Somali immigrants

Background/ aims: Immigrant populations face high rates of chronic disease worldwide. The Somali immigrant population, in particular, faces high rates of chronic disease with increased sedentary behaviors after immigration. Wearable technology has been shown to promote exercise, and exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits and improved mortality. The primary aim of this study is to identify the perceptions and feasibility of implementing wearable technology to promote exercise in the Somali immigrant population and assess their current levels of exercise. Methods: Twenty Somali immigrants ages 18–65 years old were recruited in the study. A validated survey with high internal consistency regarding perceptions of wearable technology was identified and translated into Somali. The participants filled out the survey, and answers were graded on a 7-point Likert scale. Participants also reported their demographics, languages spoken at home, current exercise levels, and perceptions regarding the importance of physical activity. Results: All participants believed physical activity was important; however, the majority did not meet the minimum recommended guidelines. Most participants had experience using technology to track their fitness level and felt comfortable tracking their physical activity with their smartphones. Most participants reported they would be likely to use a free device to track their physical activity level. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that future research regarding the utilization of wearable technology to track and promote physical activity in the Somali immigrant population is feasible. Future research is warranted to study the clinical benefits of wearable technology to track and encourage exercise in immigrant populations.