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

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Nuno Ribeiro (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Medical Informatics

Vol. 108

Pages: 125-133

ISSN: 1386-5056

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9