Author: Felipe Andrés Besoaín Pino
Programme: Doctoral Programme in Network and Information Technologies
Language: English
Supervisors: Dr. Antoni Pérez Navarro
Faculty / Institute: Doctoral School UOC
Subjects: Computer Science
Key words: STI, HIV, ubiquitous computing, mobile devices, georeference
Area of knowledge: Network and Information Technologies
Summary
Several methods have recently been employed to educate individuals and entire communities on topics related to worldwide health issues, among which are nutrition and sexual behaviour. In the area of nutrition, excessive weight and obesity are problems associated with a variety of health issues. These problems are directly related to the population's current lifestyle. Regarding sexual behaviour, advances in the development of information and communication technologies have encouraged social interrelationships, but also sexual encounters were appropriate preventive measures are not taken. This study explores how to develop educational mechanisms for promoting healthy behaviour, focusing on a target group and two areas of its members' lives: 1) bad nutrition (obesity or excessive weight) and 2) sexually transmitted infections. These areas were chosen due to their relevance and importance in the area of public health. The aim of this investigation is to look into how ubiquitous computing could be useful for preventive health regarding these problems.