Data on Computational Psychology Reported by K.M. Eyrichgarg and Co-Researchers.

"Although physical health, mental health, and substance use problems are disproportionately high among the homeless, those with greater access to their social support systems report better outcomes than others. Communication with loved ones can be challenging for this population because of lack of access to telephone landlines," scientists in the United States report.

"Computer technology may be an alternative medium for this population to access their social support systems, which, in turn, could lead toward better health outcomes. This exploratory study examined the computer use of 100 unsheltered homeless men and women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. were interviewed using the Homeless Supplement to the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, a technology use module created for this investigation, and the substance use and psychiatric sections of the Addiction Severity Index. Almost half (47%) of the sample reported computer use in the past 30 days (averaging 17.67 h and 30 days). used computers to maintain their sense of social connectedness, for business purposes (job and housing searches), and for leisure. Computer technology could be used to disseminate information, prevent, screen, and treat many conditions, and collect data with this difficult-to-reach population," wrote K.M. Eyrichgarg and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "This technology has the potential to increase access to much needed services at a relatively low cost."

Eyrichgarg and colleagues published their study in Computers in Human Behavior (Sheltered in cyberspace? Computer use among the unsheltered 'street' homeless Computers in Human Behavior, 2011;27(1):296-303).

For additional information, contact K.M. Eyrichgarg, Temple University, School Social Work, College Health Profess & Social Work, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Computers in Human Behavior is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: City:Philadelphia, State:PA, Country:United States, Computational Psychology, Computers, Cyberspace, Internet, Psychiatric, Technology, World Wide Web

This article was prepared by Internet Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Internet Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.