Assessing the use of lifestyle apps based on the experience of an experiment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15170/MM.2023.57.KSZ.01.03Keywords:
m-health, lifestyle app, health maintenanceAbstract
THE AIMS OF THE PAPER
Worldwide numerous researches on m-health applications have been conducted, and the results show that well-designed m-health applications can improve medication and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of our research is to explore the theoretical background and experience of using m-health applications and especially lifestyle applications from a user perspective.
METHODOLOGY
The questionnaires examining the use of m-health apps (MAUQ), of which we used a scale developed for standalone apps. The evaluation of the applications was based on three dimensions: ease of use, interface and satisfaction, and usefulness. For examining the two research questions, we used an experimental method involving 22 students in the fall semester of the 2021 academic year over 14 weeks. Descriptive statistical indicators and paired t test were used for the analysis.
MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
The subjects evaluated 16 different applications which can be classified into five areas of lifestyle applications: (1) sport and fitness activity tracker, (2) diet and nutrition, (3) stress relief and relaxation, (4) monitoring of women's cycle, and (5) disease treatment. Subjects in the experiment are most satisfied with the ease of use and least satisfied with the surface of the applications and the evaluation of its usefulness. More of the experimental subjects reported positive effects through improved physical and mental health. The perceived health improvement is significant (t=-4.55; p≦0.00) and the highest improvement can be observed in case of diet and nutrition apps. It is encouraging that 17 students are planning to continue using the applications.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of our research will be particularly useful for consumers, app developers and service providers who focus on health awareness and health promotion. In the case of healthcare, it can contribute to reducing the burden on the care system and to the integrated development of telemedicine and traditional healthcare. At the population level, it has a prominent role in the field of prevention. It would be worthwhile for the developers to pay more attention to the development of the app interface, design, organization, i.e. ergonomic aspects. Furthermore, for developers, it offers the possibility to expand the services available free of charge and to manage and analyze BigData data in compliance with GDPR regulations.
Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Dr. Erzsébet Printz-Markó, assistant professor, for the recruitment of the subjects and the coordination of the experiment.
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