DETECT is an app-based study run by the Scripps Translational Science Institute. It collects data from participants’ wearable activity trackers and occasionally sends the wearer a short survey about their health status. It is then able to uncover patterns that may correlate with illness, ultimately improving the prediction and prevention of infectious disease. 

The research project is an expanded effort of a similar study published in February 2020 that studied the data of Fitbit wearers in five states. 

“Interestingly, this study collected data before COVID-19 and found that wearable devices significantly improved predictions of influenza-like illnesses,” said UOG Professor Yvette Paulino, a co-investigator on the DETECT study in Guam, who holds a doctorate in epidemiology. 

Lead principal investigator Dr. Annette David, an adjunct research professor at UOG who holds a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Public Health, said the six-month project involves recruiting Guam residents representing the diverse Asian, American, and Pacific Islander ethnicities that comprise the island’s population. 

“Our long-term goal is to develop a methodology that will allow individuals living across the Pacific — who in the past have had limited opportunities to participate in national research programs due to geographic barriers — an increased opportunity to choose to join trials,” David said. 

Ultimately, she said, they hope this recruitment effort will guide strategies moving forward to successfully recruit Pacific Island and territory residents to participate in more national studies. 

The team is looking to recruit 1,000 people in Guam by July to be part of the study. 

Also serving as co-investigator on the study is UOG Professor Emeritus Lilnabeth Somera, who holds a doctorate in communication. 

Participate in the study

To participate in the study, residents can download the MyDataHelps™ app, available via Google Play and the Apple App Store, and input the project code: DETECT. Connect the app to a fitness tracker or smartwatch, and the device will do the rest. 

Eligible participants must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• be a resident of Guam
• have a smartphone or smartwatch fitness tracker

The first 50 people to join the study and recruit nine other people will receive a free Fitbit. To enter the recruitment promotion, send screenshots of the recruited profiles to detect.guam@gmail.com. 

For more information about the study, please contact the DETECT Guam team at detect.guam@gmail.com. 

---

---

Flyer caption

What are we doing?

• Alerting detection of respiratory illnesses through digital tools
• Creating an easier and faster way to prevent illnesses such as Covid-19
• Protecting people with pre-symptomes or no symptoms

What do we need?

• We need 1000 volunteers to sign up through MyDataHelps app
• Connect it to their fitness tracker or smart watch
• Invite their friends and family to help out

Want a Free Fitbit?

• Sign up for DETECT using MyDataHelps app.
  • Download the MyDataHelps app at the Apple Store or Google Play
• Recruit 9 other participants to DETECT
• Send in screenshots of the recruited profiles
• Get your free Fitbit!

For more information email us at detect.guam@gmail.com or visit our social media pages to learn how to sign up!