Integrating Objective Health Measures: Using a Consumer Actigraphy Wristband to Supplement a Survey of Caregivers and Teens
Janne Brooks-Gunn
Teachers College, Columbia University
Elyzabeth Gaumer
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Daniel Goldstein
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Jack B. R Jerome
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Caitlin R. Waickman
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Many large-scale social surveys incorporate objective measures, such as biomarkers, anthropometrics, or actigraphy, to supplement self-reported information and ensure more valid measurements. We discuss the use of a consumer actigraphy wristband to augment data collection for the New York City Housing and Neighborhood Study (NYCHANS), a randomized control trial that evaluates the impact of affordable housing on the health and well-being of low-income New Yorkers. A subset of caregivers and teens were asked to wear the device for a week to collect objective measures of physical activity and sleep. We discuss implementation of this module, including consent/assent, incentive structure, and procedures used by the field team at the beginning and end of data collection. We also review some of the challenges faced and how they were addressed, such as selection of the appropriate device, navigating legal constraints of using such a device for research purposes, and confidentiality. This report on the use of a consumer actigraphy device as part of a survey of caregivers and teens advances knowledge of how to best capture such data without undue cost to the project or burden to respondents.