Pilot study of a smartphone-based intervention to promote cancer prevention behaviours

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2017

Autores

Nuno Ribeiro (Autor) FCUP

Revista

Título: International Journal of Medical Informatics

Vol. 108

Páginas: 125-133

ISSN: 1386-5056

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citação

Scopus - 0 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00N-45W

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.10.013

Abstract (EN): Background Estimates predict that more than half of all cancers are due to inadequate lifestyle choices. Smartphones can be successfully used to support the behaviour change needed to prevent cancer. Objective The purpose of this study was to field-test Happy, a smartphone app designed to promote cancer prevention behaviours, based on tailored-messages. Methods Thirty-two participants downloaded and used the app for 28 consecutive days (4 weeks). At the end of this period, they all answered an online questionnaire and ten of them were interviewed. Usability, feasibility, message receptivity, and perceived impact of the app were assessed. Results Compliance with cancer prevention guidelines was lower than expected. Happy was considered simple, intuitive and easy to use. Messages sent by the app were considered easy to understand, providing good advice and meaningful information that catch reader's attention. Participants also considered that Happy might be an effective way to promote cancer prevention. Collected data showed an increased frequency in several cancer prevention related behaviours and an increase in the overall putative cancer prevention level. Conclusions This study showed the viability of designing and implementing smartphone-based interventions to promote cancer prevention behaviours. The results suggest that Happy is usable and might help users change their behaviour towards healthier choices and thus reduce their personal cancer risk. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 9