Influences on uptake of and engagement with health and wellbeing smartphone apps: a systematic review
Oral Presentation B11.8
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.565Keywords:
mHealth, Health Apps, Behaviour Change, Smartphone Apps, COM-B Model, Engagement UptakeAbstract
Background: The public health impact of digital behaviour change interventions is dependent upon sufficient real-world uptake and engagement. Purpose: To synthesise influences on the uptake and engagement with health apps, to inform new approaches that promote effective use. Methods: Studies of all designs involving adults were included if they focused on health apps reporting on uptake and engagement behaviour. Relevant electronic libraries were searched, with a proportion of studies screened independently by two authors. Data synthesis and interpretation were undertaken using a deductive iterative process. A narrative synthesis of the findings was structured around the components of the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: Out of 7640 identified studies, 41 were included in the review. Under ‘Capability’, the main factors identified were app literacy skills, user knowledge, app awareness, user guidance, health information, statistical information, well-designed reminders, features to reduce cognitive load, and self-monitoring features. Availability at low cost, positive tone and personalisation were identified as physical ‘Opportunity’ factors, while recommendations for health apps, embedded health professional support together with social networking possibilities were social ‘Opportunity’ factors. Finally, ‘Motivation’ factors included positive feedback, available rewards, goal setting and the perceived utility of the app. Conclusions: The twenty-six factors identified have clear implications for improving population health and targeting health inequalities. A list of recommendations was produced to guide app developers and policy makers when commissioning, developing and optimising health apps. Funding: Study funded by DS’s PhD studentship (funded by Public Health England and the University of East Anglia).
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Copyright (c) 2021 Dorothy Szinay, Andy Jones, Tim Chadborn, Jamie Brown, Felix Naughton
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