Understanding Wearable Technology Use Among African American University Students: Implications for Health Equity

This study investigated wearable technology (WT) adoption, usage patterns, and barriers among African American university students, a population disproportionately affected by chronic health disparities and digital inequities. A cross-sectional survey of 75 students revealed that 65.3% (n = 49) reported using WT, while 34.7% (n = 26) did not. Adoption was higher among students aged 22 and older (67.9%), females (69.5%), and graduate students (68.9%). Among WT users, 55.9% used their devices daily, 42.7% had used them for over one year, and the most common uses were exercise and workout tracking (77.6%), step counting (59.2%), and heart rate monitoring (36.7%). Key barriers among non-users included lack of interest (38.5%) and affordability (30.8%), indicating that both motivational and financial factors hinder access and engagement. These findings highlight significant demographic differences in usage and underscore the need for equity-focused strategies in higher education that address affordability, cultural relevance, and health literacy to promote meaningful WT adoption among underserved student populations.