Wearable Technology for Early Disease Detection: Enhancing Preventive Public Health

Abstract

Wearable technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of preventive public health, offering the potential to detect diseases at an early stage, monitor health continuously, and ultimately improve health outcomes. These devices, which include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and biosensors, can collect real-time data on various physiological parameters such as heart rate, activity levels, sleep patterns, and even biochemical markers. By analyzing this data, wearable technology can identify deviations from normal health patterns, allowing for the early detection of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. The integration of wearable technology into public health strategies not only enhances individual health monitoring but also provides valuable data for population-level health interventions. However, challenges such as data privacy, accuracy, and the digital divide must be addressed to fully realize the potential of wearables in public health. This review explores the role of wearable technology in early disease detection, discusses its potential to enhance preventive public health, and examines the challenges associated with its widespread adoption.