Guidelines for a cancer prevention smartphone application: A mixed-methods study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Nuno Ribeiro (Author) FCUP; Ana Margarida Almeida (Author) Other; Filipe Santos-Silva (Author) Other; Luís Moreira (Author) Other; Ana Barros (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Medical Informatics

Vol. 94

Pages: 134-142

ISSN: 1386-5056

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-N2F

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2016.07.007

Abstract (EN): Objectives: This study sought to explore the views and experiences of healthy young adults concerning the fundamental features of a cancer prevention smartphone app that seeks behaviour change. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 16 healthy young adults that explored prior experiences, points of view and opinions about currently available health-related smartphone apps. Then, an online questionnaire was designed and applied to a larger sample of healthy young adults. Focus group and online questionnaire data were analysed and confronted. Results: Study results identified behaviour tracking, goal setting, tailored information and use of reminders as the most desired features in a cancer prevention app. Participants highlighted the importance of privacy and were reluctant to share personal health information with other users. The results also point out important dimensions to be considered for long-term use of health promotion apps related with usability and perceived usefulness. Participants didn't consider gamification features as important dimensions for long-term use of apps. Conclusions: This study allowed the definition of a guideline set for the development of a cancer prevention app.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9