Usage of Social Media and Smartphone Application in Assessment of Physical and Psychological Well-Being of Individuals in Times of a Major Air Pollution Crisis

Zhang, Melvyn WB; Ho, Cyrus SH; Fang, Pan; Lu, Yanxia; Ho, Roger CM

This is one of the few studies demonstrating the use of Internet in data collection during an air-pollution crisis. Our methods may apply to future research on a natural disaster or outbreak of an infectious disease. The Internet and recent advancements in information technology allow researchers to capture data during a crisis, which was impossible in the past. Traditional face-to-face interviews come to a halt when people have to be quarantined to avoid spread of infection or staying at home to avoid adverse physical environment. The Internet allows researchers to overcome such barriers. This study compared conventional Web-based methods of acquiring data against the newer methods, including the social networking sites and smartphone applications. Previous studies were limited to comparison of technologies in relation to dissemination of information. Our results demonstrated that the newer technological modalities have the potential to acquire data as efficiently as conventional technologies, and demographic variables did not influence the mechanism of access during a crisis situation. Our current study provides an example for future researchers to develop a platform using the latest information technology to conduct research during any crisis. This is especially important for governments and health authorities to develop such platform in preparation for an unforeseen crisis.