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Perceptions and experiences of outdoor occupational workers using digital devices for geospatial biometeorological monitoring

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Abstract

Wearable devices have the potential to track and monitor a wide range of biometeorological conditions (e.g., temperature, UV, air quality) and health outcomes (e.g., mental stress, physical activity, physiologic strain, and cognitive impairments). These sensors provide the potential for personalized environmental exposure information that can be harnessed for at-risk populations. Personalized environmental exposure information is of particular importance for populations that are continuously exposed to hazardous environmental conditions or with underlying health conditions. Yet, for these devices to be effective, individuals must be willing to monitor their health and, if prompted, adhere to warnings or notifications. To date, no study has examined the perceptions and use of digital devices and wearable sensors among vulnerable outdoor working populations. This study evaluated digital device use and perceptions among a population of groundworkers in three diverse geographic sites in the southeastern USA (Boone, NC, Raleigh, NC, and Starkville, MS). Our results demonstrate that biometeorological health interventions should focus on smartphone technology as a platform for monitoring environmental exposure and associated health outcomes. It was encouraging to find that those study participants were very likely to wear sensors and utilize global positioning system technology despite potential privacy issues. In addition, 3 out of 4 workers indicated that they would change their behavior if given a personalized heat preventive warning. Future development of wearable sensors and smartphone applications should integrate personalized weather warnings and ensure privacy to facilitate the use of these technologies among vulnerable populations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank our ground workers partners at North Carolina State University, Appalachian State University, and Mississippi State University. This work would not be possible without their support. Additional support was provided from funding at Mississippi State University’s Office of Research and Economic Development and Appalachian State University’s University Research Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC, 28608, USA

    Margaret M. Sugg

  2. Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 5448, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Christopher M. Fuhrmann

  3. North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA

    Jennifer D. Runkle

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  1. Margaret M. Sugg
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  2. Christopher M. Fuhrmann
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Correspondence to Margaret M. Sugg.

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Sugg, M.M., Fuhrmann, C.M. & Runkle, J.D. Perceptions and experiences of outdoor occupational workers using digital devices for geospatial biometeorological monitoring. Int J Biometeorol 64, 471–483 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-019-01833-8

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