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Gazibara T, Cakic M, Cakic J, Grgurevic A, Pekmezovic T. Familiarity with the internet and health apps, and specific topic needs are amongst the factors that influence how online health information is used for health decisions amongst adolescents. Health Info Libr J 2024; 41:283-297. [PMID: 35652454 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many adolescents believe that online health information is reliable, particularly when they are familiar with the source of information. OBJECTIVE To analyse the degree of influence of online health information on high school students' health decisions and examine whether socio-demographic characteristics, digital literacy, use of different websites and interest in specific health topics are associated with a stronger influence of online health information on adolescents' health-related decisions. METHODS Participants were students from four public high schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Socio-demographic and behavioural questionnaire as well as the e-health literacy scale (eHEALS) were used to collect data. RESULTS The study sample comprised 702 students. A total of 79.6% of students reported that online health information influenced their health decisions to a certain extent (from 'a little' to 'a lot'). Being a boy, using the internet since younger age, better self-perceived e-health literacy, using health apps, Google, health forums, websites of health institutions, social media and YouTube, being interested in diet/nutrition, sexually transmitted infections and cigarettes were the characteristics associated with a stronger influence of online health information on students' health decisions. CONCLUSION This study provides clues about how online health-related information can be used to adjust and enhance health promotion amongst adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Gazibara
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Cakic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Cakic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anita Grgurevic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezovic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Rezaee R, Ghaffari M, Rabiei R, Kavousi A, Rakhshanderou S. Design and usability evaluation of a mobile application for self-care among Iranian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:892. [PMID: 38528452 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones can be an ideal platform to engage adolescents to maintain, improve, and promote self-care. Therefore, the current study aims to design and evaluate the usability of a mobile application for self-care in adolescents with a user-centered approach. METHODS The current applied developmental study was done in four steps. The first step, polling and examining opinions was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews, with the aim of user-centered mobile application design with the involvement of 30 participants. The second step, extracting and compiling the educational content related to the main themes of the self-care app, was obtained from national and international guidelines and instructions, including the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, etc. In the third step, the initial version of the mobile application was developed. In the fourth step, app usability was evaluated by 30 participants from the target group, 2 weeks after using the app, using the MAUQ questionnaire. RESULTS In the first step, 789 codes, 12 sub-categories, and 3 categories were extracted. These codes were used in the design of the mobile application. In the second step, educational information was prepared and arranged in 5 sections (physical activity, nutrition, personal hygiene, risky behaviors and safety and events) in the form of text, images and short videos. In the third step, the mobile application was designed based on step 1 and 2. This application operates in online mode and under the Android operating system. the initial version of the mobile application was developed using JavaScript and Typescript programming languages in a Visual Studio Code environment. In the fourth step, the participants the overall level of usability of the application as very good with an average of 6.28 ± 0.55. The highest average score was given to the user interface and satisfaction with an average score of 6.43 ± 0.58. CONCLUSIONS The "My-Care" app is a collaboratively designed smartphone app for adolescents that targets 5 dimensions of physical self-care. This app has the potential to teach, assess, and promote self-care among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Rezaee
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohtasham Ghaffari
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Rabiei
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Kavousi
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Rakhshanderou
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tabnak Ave., Daneshjou Blvd., Velenjak, Tehran, 19835-35511, Iran.
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Silva LVFD, Santos JS, Sousa MMD, Gouveia BDLA, Oliveira SHDS, Almeida AAM, Almeida TDCF. Evaluation of the usability of the Quali+ mobile application for people with high blood pressure. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2024; 45:e20230058. [PMID: 38451622 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20230058.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usability of the "Quali+" mobile application prototype for people with high blood pressure. METHOD Descriptive, cross-sectional study of heuristic evaluation of a mobile application prototype carried out between June and July 2021, in a university hospital. Participants were 22 people with arterial hypertension in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. To measure usability, the Smartphone Usability questionnaiRE instrument was applied. Levels (70 points have good usability. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS The overall usability average was 105.8(7.44 points, with the lowest score being 83 and the highest being 113. Usability was at the highest level(80 points). CONCLUSION The usability evaluation showed that, although it is a prototype, the application has good usability and can be considered for routine use in health self-management. Future research is needed to verify its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joelma Silva Santos
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG). Unidade Acadêmica de Enfermagem. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil
| | - Mailson Marques de Sousa
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Departamento de Enfermagem Clínica. João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil
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Mahmoodi Kahriz B, Snuggs S, Sah A, Clot S, Lamport D, Forrest J, Helme-Guizon A, Wilhelm MC, Caldara C, Anin CV, Vogt J. Unveiling Consumer Preferences and Intentions for Cocreated Features of a Combined Diet and Physical Activity App: Cross-Sectional Study in 4 European Countries. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e44993. [PMID: 38079197 PMCID: PMC10750232 DOI: 10.2196/44993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous mobile health apps are marketed globally, and these have specific features including physical activity tracking, motivational feedback, and recipe provision. It is important to understand which features individuals prefer and whether these preferences differ between consumer groups. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to identify consumers' most preferred features and rewards for a mobile app that targets healthy eating and physical activity and to reduce the number of individual mobile health app features to a smaller number of key categories as perceived by consumers. In addition, we investigated the impact of differences in consumers' BMI and self-efficacy on their intention to use and willingness to pay for such an app. Finally, we identified the characteristics of different target groups of consumers and their responses toward app features via cluster analysis. METHODS A total of 212 participants from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany were recruited via the web to answer questions about app features, motivation, self-efficacy, demographics, and geographic factors. It is important to note that our study included an evenly distributed sample of people in the age range of 23 to 50 years (23-35 and 35-50 years). The app features in question were generated from a 14-day cocreation session by a group of consumers from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. RESULTS "Home work out suggestions," "exercise tips," and "progress charts" were the most preferred app features, whereas "gift vouchers" and "shopping discounts" were the most preferred rewards. "Connections with other communication apps" was the least preferred feature, and "charitable giving" was the least preferred reward. Importantly, consumers' positive attitude toward the "social support and connectedness and mindfulness" app feature predicted willingness to pay for such an app (β=.229; P=.004). Differences in consumers' health status, motivational factors, and basic demographics moderated these results and consumers' intention to use and willingness to pay for such an app. Notably, younger and more motivated consumers with more experience and knowledge about health apps indicated more positive attitudes and intentions to use and willingness to pay for this type of app. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that consumers tend to prefer app features that are activity based and demonstrate progress. It also suggested a potential role for monetary rewards in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Moreover, the results highlighted the role of consumers' health status, motivational factors, and socioeconomic status in predicting their app use. These results provide up-to-date, practical, and pragmatic information for the future design and operation of mobile health apps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Snuggs
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Anumeha Sah
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Clot
- Department of Economics, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Lamport
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Forrest
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cindy Caldara
- Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP, CERAG, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Julia Vogt
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Deslippe AL, González ODJ, Buckler EJ, Ball GDC, Ho J, Bucholz A, Morrison KM, Mâsse LC. Do Individual Characteristics and Social Support Increase Children's Use of an MHealth Intervention? Findings from the Evaluation of a Behavior Change MHealth App, Aim2Be. Child Obes 2023; 19:435-442. [PMID: 36576875 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2022.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Mobile health (mHealth) apps may support improved health behavior practice among youth living in larger bodies. However, long-term use is low, limiting effectiveness. This study evaluated whether youths' motivation, satisfaction, engagement with social features, or parent co-participation supported long-term use of an app named Aim2Be. Methods: A secondary analysis of two versions of Aim2Be (preteen and teen versions) using covariate-adjusted multivariable regression was conducted. We evaluated associations between social support features (a virtual coach, a social poll, or a social wall), parent co-participation (time spent in the parent app), and app satisfaction on use (time spent in Aim2Be). Models were stratified by age and satisfaction was explored as a moderator. Results: Preteens (n = 83) engagement with the social poll (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), virtual health coach (β = 0.24, p = 0.01), app satisfaction (β = 0.31, p = 0.01), and parent co-participation (β = 0.24, p = 0.01) predicted use. In teens (n = 90), engagement with the virtual coach (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and full utilization of social wall features (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) predicted use. Furthermore, satisfaction moderated the effects of partial utilization of the social wall among teens (β = 0.32 p = 0.02). Conclusion: Social support in mHealth apps may impact users differently depending on age. Features that include health professionals or peers may be more advantageous across ages. App developers should consider age when designing interventions. Clinical Trial Registration NCT03651284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysha L Deslippe
- Human Nutrition, Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Healthy Starts, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivia De-Jongh González
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Evidence to Innovation (Behaviour Change Group), BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - E Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Josephine Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Annick Bucholz
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Evidence to Innovation (Behaviour Change Group), BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Schwarz A, Winkens LHH, de Vet E, Ossendrijver D, Bouwsema K, Simons M. Design Features Associated With Engagement in Mobile Health Physical Activity Interventions Among Youth: Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e40898. [PMID: 36877551 PMCID: PMC10028523 DOI: 10.2196/40898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 81% of youth do not meet the physical activity (PA) guidelines. Youth of families with a low socioeconomic position are less likely to meet the recommended PA guidelines. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are preferred by youth over traditional in-person approaches and are in line with their media preferences. Despite the promise of mHealth interventions in promoting PA, a common challenge is to engage users in the long term or effectively. Earlier reviews highlighted the association of different design features (eg, notifications and rewards) with engagement among adults. However, little is known about which design features are important for increasing engagement among youth. OBJECTIVE To inform the design process of future mHealth tools, it is important to investigate the design features that can yield effective user engagement. This systematic review aimed to identify which design features are associated with engagement in mHealth PA interventions among youth who were aged between 4 and 18 years. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection) and Scopus. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if they documented design features associated with engagement. Design features and related behavior change techniques and engagement measures were extracted. Study quality was assessed according to the Mixed Method Assessment Tool, and one-third of all screening and data extraction were double coded by a second reviewer. RESULTS Studies (n=21) showed that various features were associated with engagement, such as a clear interface, rewards, multiplayer game mode, social interaction, variety of challenges with personalized difficulty level, self-monitoring, and variety of customization options among others, including self-set goals, personalized feedback, progress, and a narrative. In contrast, various features need to be carefully considered while designing mHealth PA interventions, such as sounds, competition, instructions, notifications, virtual maps, or self-monitoring, facilitated by manual input. In addition, technical functionality can be considered as a prerequisite for engagement. Research addressing youth from low socioeconomic position families is very limited with regard to engagement in mHealth apps. CONCLUSIONS Mismatches between different design features in terms of target group, study design, and content translation from behavior change techniques to design features are highlighted and set up in a design guideline and future research agenda. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021254989; https://tinyurl.com/5n6ppz24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Schwarz
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura H H Winkens
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Emely de Vet
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Dian Ossendrijver
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Bouwsema
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Monique Simons
- Department of Social Sciences, Chair Group Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Truman E, Elliott C. Testing a Mobile App for Participatory Research to Identify Teen-Targeted Food Marketing: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35886. [PMID: 35503652 PMCID: PMC9115658 DOI: 10.2196/35886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile apps are not only effective tools for promoting health to teenagers but are also useful for engaging teenagers in participatory research on factors that influence their health. Given the impact of food marketing messages on teenagers’ food attitudes and consumption choices, it is important to develop effective methods for capturing the food advertisements targeted at this population to assess their content. Objective The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and usability of a mobile app, “GrabFM!” (“Grab Food Marketing!”), designed for teenagers to facilitate monitoring of self-identified targeted food marketing messaging. Methods A mixed methods approach, including quantitative user response rates and qualitative focus group discussion feedback, was used in the evaluation process. Results A total of 62 teenagers (ages 13-17) completed GrabFM! app pilot testing over a 7-day data collection period. Teenagers submitted a total of 339 examples of food marketing, suggesting high feasibility for the app. Participants also took part in focus group discussions about their experience, providing positive feedback on usability, including ease of use and design aesthetic appeal. Conclusions The GrabFM! app had high feasibility and usability, suggesting its efficacy in capturing accurate data relevant to the teenage population’s experience with food marketing messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Truman
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Ab Mumin N, Yusof ZYM, Marhazlinda J, Obaidellah U. Adolescents’ opinions on the use of a smartphone application as an oral health education tool: A qualitative study. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221114190. [PMID: 35898290 PMCID: PMC9309770 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221114190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing health-related smartphone applications for oral health education
should consider the end-user's perspectives to ensure they will be usable. This
study aimed to explore the opinions of secondary school students in Selangor,
Malaysia regarding the use of a smartphone application for oral health education
and to identify the features for an oral health education smartphone application
from the perspectives of adolescents. Focus group discussions were conducted
among Form Two (14-year-old) and Form Four (16-year-old) students from selected
government secondary schools in Selangor utilising a semi-structured topic guide
until data saturation was achieved. Data were analysed using framework analysis.
Ten focus group discussions were conducted involving 77 participants. Mixed
opinions were recorded on the use of health-related smartphone applications for
oral health education. The preferred features in a health-related smartphone
application are disease detection, have games and rewards, educational and fun,
access to a dentist, reminders, and user-friendliness. Adolescents are aware of
the positive aspect of using health-related smartphone applications for oral
health education; however, they are wary of the need to install one.
Nevertheless, identifying adolescents’ preferred features of an oral health
education app is the first step in developing an application tailored to their
needs. Smartphone application could be a timely strategy to improve oral health
education delivery and behaviour improvement for this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazirah Ab Mumin
- Department of Periodontology and Community Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jamaludin Marhazlinda
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Unaizah Obaidellah
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312844. [PMID: 34886569 PMCID: PMC8657837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the digital platforms most used by adolescents for healthy lifestyle information, perceived helpfulness of platform information, helpfulness for positive behaviour changes, and quality of platforms’ lifestyle health information. Mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and content analysis. Eligible participants were 13–18-years; living in Australia; and had searched online for healthy lifestyle behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep) information in the previous three months. Survey items examined the use of digital platforms, self-perceived helpfulness, usefulness for positive behaviour, and popular content. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. Content analysis was performed on popular digital content to evaluate expertise, objectivity, transparency, popularity, and relevance. In total, 297 participants completed the survey (62.3% female; 15.8 [SD1.5] years). Seventy-eight percent and 77% of participants reported using websites and social media, respectively, for seeking healthy lifestyle information. Websites and social media were rated as somewhat helpful by 43% and 46% of participants, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 53% of participants agreed/strongly agreed smartphone apps and social media were helpful for positive behaviour change, respectively. Helpfulness did not differ by age or gender. We evaluated 582 popular digital content; 38% were produced by a commercial company. Only 7% of content was from health organisations, 10% from health professionals and only 10% of content was objective, and 14% was transparent. Adolescents extensively utilise websites and social media for health information, yet popular content has limited objectivity and transparency. Governments and health organisations should consider creating age-appropriate digital information for healthy lifestyle behaviours.
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Kolarić A, Stričević I. Studying adolescent information behavior in the context of making everyday life decisions: Methodological issues, concerns, and possible solutions. EDUCATION FOR INFORMATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/efi-211561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the main methodological issues met with during the research on adolescent everyday life information behavior in the context of making informed decisions, which was carried out in Croatia from 2018 to 2020. It does not focus on the research results, but rather on the methodological issues and concerns that had occurred stemming from the specific life period of the population being investigated, and on the ways the researchers delt with them. They are offered as potentially useful for consideration to those who will investigate adolescent information behavior in other contexts. Six main methodological dilemmas arose while planning the design of research methodology coming out from six questions: what would be the appropriate research approach and design to investigate adolescent information behavior in the context of making informed everyday life decisions, what would be the developmentally appropriate way to investigate the phenomena, how to gain access to the potential adolescent research participants, how to negotiate an adult researcher’s position when interacting with adolescents, how to get adolescent participants’ trust needed to collect rich data and what ethical issues need to be considered. We offer an overview of the dilemmas and concerns, as well as the ways they were dealt with, acknowledging the contribution of those scholars who had responded to similar challenges in the past.
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