Smartphone Use Among Postpartum Women and Implications for Personal Health Record Utilization

Personal health records (PHRs) have the potential to improve incomplete health records. However, internet access through traditional methods may be limited for populations most at risk for fragmented care. A convenience sample of postpartum women at a community hospital and tertiary-care academic center in New York City completed a self-administered survey. Most (75.2%, n = 200) women approached participated. The majority (70.0%) were Latina, 53.5% were Spanish speakers, 23.4% were uninsured, and 41.6% were publicly insured. Smartphone ownership (85.6%) including a data plan (80.0%) was high. While insurance and educational level were associated with decreased odds of internet access at home, access via cellphone only differed by age. Nearly all (94%) women wanted PHR access and interest only differed by language. Even the minority (20.0%) of women with concerns, reported high (93.8%) interest. High smartphone ownership, use of phone for internet access, and interest in PHR access, suggest the potential of optimizing PHR use via mobile technologies.