Uptake of and engagement with health apps in app stores and on health app portals
Mini-Oral Presentation B1.12
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.602Keywords:
mHealth, Health Apps, Behaviour Change, COM-B Model, Engagement, UptakeAbstract
Background: Health apps can improve access to behaviour change interventions. However, the selection of apps is often influenced by factors such as popularity as opposed to evidence-based content. Rapid disengagement is also common. Purpose: To explore how potential users 1) select and 2) engage with health apps in commercial app stores and on curated health app portals. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and a think-aloud approach were used. 18 UK-based adults who were interested in using a health app were recruited online. Participants were asked to verbalise their thoughts whilst searching for a health app of their choice. Data were analysed using the framework approach. The COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework informed the analysis. The study protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/jrkd3/). Findings: The following factors influenced the selection of and engagement with health apps: 1) physical capability (e.g. enhancing app literacy skills to reduce the digital divide); 2) psychological capability (e.g. reduced cognitive load); 3) physical opportunity (e.g. low financial cost and tailored content); 4) social opportunity (e.g. social proof and embedded practical support); 5) automatic motivation (e.g. emotional factors and rewards); 6) reflective motivation (e.g. beliefs about the utility of the app). Conclusions: Health organisations that develop app portals may consider targeting the factors identified across the COM-B domains as this could help to increase impact through better selection of apps. The findings will inform the development of web-based interventions that aim to promote the uptake of and engagement with evidence-based 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, Olga Perski, Andy Jones, Tim Chadborn, Jamie Brown, Felix Naughton
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