Dr. Kim Larson

CON Research: Dr. Kim Larson

“We really took heed when they said all adolescents need this information. We agreed with them.”

Research Interest: Adolescents are major users of internet-connected smartphones as a source for health information, yet the quality and accuracy of some sites are unreliable.
Innovation: We are developing a smartphone mobile App (mApp), based on feedback from adolescents that will deliver science-based, accurate information via simulated social conversations. The mApp will focus on risk reduction of substance misuse and sexual health through engaging and fun scenarios geared toward promoting healthy relationships.
Research Context / Setting: Rural counties in eastern North Carolina in collaboration with four community partners: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Plains (Lenoir and Greene); Wayne Initiative for School Health; Juntos, Latino Outreach Program (Wayne); and Together Transforming Lives, African American Outreach Program (Halifax).
Study Design: Qualitative descriptive design.
Research Population: Adolescents ages 12-16 years
Sampling Strategy: Maximum variation sampling.
Intervention: Following the pilot study the intervention will be a mApp.
Study Variables: Smartphone usage; attitudes regarding peers, family, and society.
Data Collection Instruments: Focus group discussions.
Analysis Methods: Constant comparison; discerning patterns; delineating relational categories.
Collaborators: Dept. Human Development and Family Science, Dept. of Addictions and Rehabilitative Studies, College of Business, Dept. of Marketing, and Instructional Technology (see above community partners).
Funding: ECU Research and Economic Development and Engagement; Health Behavior Research Cluster pilot grant.

The mApp will provide on-demand, accurate information on substance misuse, STIs, and pregnancy prevention, and enable adolescents to make decisions that promote healthy relationships.