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Liu F, Song T, Yu P, Deng N, Guan Y, Yang Y, Ma Y. Efficacy of an mHealth App to Support Patients' Self-Management of Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43809. [PMID: 38113071 PMCID: PMC10762623 DOI: 10.2196/43809] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a significant global disease burden. Mobile health (mHealth) offers a promising means to provide patients with hypertension with easy access to health care services. Yet, its efficacy needs to be validated, especially in lower-income areas with a high-salt diet. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the efficacy of an mHealth app-based intervention in supporting patients' self-management of hypertension. METHODS A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among 297 patients with hypertension at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Participants selected via convenience sampling were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Intervention group participants were trained and asked to use an mHealth app named Blood Pressure Assistant for 6 months. They could use the app to record and upload vital signs, access educational materials, and receive self-management reminders and feedback from health care providers based on the analysis of the uploaded data. Control group participants received usual care. Blood pressure (BP) and 2 questionnaire surveys about hypertension knowledge and lifestyle behavior were used to assess all participants at baseline and 6 months. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software using 2-tailed t tests and a chi-square test. RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and medication use between the 2 groups (all P>.05). After 6 months, although both groups show a significant pre-post improvement (P<.001 each), the BP control rate (ie, the proportion of patients with a systolic BP of <140 mm Hg and diastolic BP of <90 mm Hg) in the intervention group was better than that in the control group (100/111, 90.1% vs 75/115, 65.2%; P<.001). The mean systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced by 25.83 (SD 8.99) and 14.28 (SD 3.74) mm Hg in the intervention group (P<.001) and by 21.83 (SD 6.86) and 8.87 (SD 4.22) mm Hg in the control group (P<.001), respectively. The differences in systolic and diastolic BP between the 2 groups were significant (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively). Hypertension knowledge significantly improved only in the intervention group in both pre-post and intergroup comparisons (both P<.001). However, only intragroup improvement was observed for lifestyle behaviors in the intervention group (P<.001), including medication adherence (P<.001), healthy diet (P=.02), low salt intake (P<.001), and physical exercises (P=.02), and no significant difference was observed in the control group or on intergroup comparisons. CONCLUSIONS This research shows that the mHealth app-based intervention has the potential to improve patient health knowledge and support self-management among them toward a healthier lifestyle, including medication adherence, low-salt diets, and physical exercises, thereby achieving optimal BP control. Further research is still needed to verify the specific effects of these interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026437; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=38801.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Health Management Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ting Song
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ning Deng
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingping Guan
- Health Management Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuanji Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute Of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for International Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Stehr P, Ermel L, Rossmann C, Reifegerste D, Lindemann AK, Schulze A. A Mobile Health Information Behavior Model: Theoretical Development and Mixed-Method Testing in the Context of Mobile Apps on Child Poisoning Prevention. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:648-657. [PMID: 37609859 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2250313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
While several studies have explored the use of mobile health applications, few have observed determinants of mobile health information behavior. To develop a model explaining parents' mobile information behavior on child poisoning prevention, we first explored relevant theories to suggest a theoretical model. In that, we combine existing models on risk and health information seeking, such as the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model, with models on the acceptance of mobile technologies, such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technologies. Thereafter, we employed a sequential mixed-method design with an initial qualitative study (four online focus groups with n = 25 parents in total) and a standardized online survey of n = 1,013 parents to evaluate our research model. Results confirm that both, determinants of information seeking and determinants of technology acceptance, contribute to the explanation of mobile information behavior. App use intention was mainly related to the performance expectancy of app use, the subjective information norm, and social influence on app use. To increase the usage of prevention apps and contribute to the reduction of child injuries, communication on poisoning apps should address subdimensions of the performance expectancy, such as their utility and peoples' trust in app providers. Moreover, physicians are important multipliers for these messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stehr
- Department of Media and Communication, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lyn Ermel
- Department of Media and Communication, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ann-Kathrin Lindemann
- Department Risk Communication, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annett Schulze
- Department Risk Communication, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Jansky B, Machleid F, Wild V. [Mobile health technologies, social justice and population-based vulnerabilities : A public health ethics perspective on mHealth using the example of type 2 diabetes mellitus]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:168-175. [PMID: 36695833 PMCID: PMC9892162 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health technologies (mHealth) promote the trend towards personal responsibility and self-management. By using the example of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the article aims to deepen the discussion on mHealth, personal responsibility and justice-which has so far only been rudimentary-from a public health ethical perspective. It shows that in the field of T2DM, mHealth can on the one hand improve social health justice, but on the other hand can also exacerbate social health injustices. From a justice-focused, public health ethical perspective on T2DM mHealth, it is necessary to better understand whether and how vulnerable population groups are considered in mHealth development and implementation, how these groups experience the use of the technology, what social-epidemiological impacts the increasing use of mHealth can have, which health inequalities in the area of T2DM are unfair, to what extent personal responsibility should be placed in the hands of the users, and where the limits of personal responsibility lie. Considering social diversity and the social determinants of health is an ongoing process and must permeate all phases of mHealth development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Jansky
- Medizinische Fakultät, Ethik der Medizin, Universität Augsburg, Universitätsstr. 2, 86159, Augsburg, Deutschland
- Institut für Soziologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Felix Machleid
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Verina Wild
- Medizinische Fakultät, Ethik der Medizin, Universität Augsburg, Universitätsstr. 2, 86159, Augsburg, Deutschland.
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Alaslawi H, Berrou I, Al Hamid A, Alhuwail D, Aslanpour Z. Diabetes Self-management Apps: Systematic Review of Adoption Determinants and Future Research Agenda. JMIR Diabetes 2022; 7:e28153. [PMID: 35900826 PMCID: PMC9377471 DOI: 10.2196/28153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most diabetes management involves self-management. Effective self-management of the condition improves diabetes control, reduces the risk of complications, and improves patient outcomes. Mobile apps for diabetes self-management (DSM) can enhance patients' self-management activities. However, they are only effective if clinicians recommend them, and patients use them. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the determinants of DSM apps' use by patients and their recommendations by health care professionals (HCPs). It also outlines the future research agenda for using DSM apps in diabetes care. METHODS We systematically reviewed the factors affecting the adoption of DSM apps by both patients and HCPs. Searches were performed using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, ACM, and Xplore digital libraries for articles published from 2008 to 2020. The search terms were diabetes, mobile apps, and self-management. Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified a range of determinants related to patients' and HCPs' characteristics, experiences, and preferences. Young female patients were more likely to adopt DSM apps. Patients' perceptions of the benefits of apps, ease of use, and recommendations by patients and other HCPs strongly affect their intention to use DSM apps. HCPs are less likely to recommend these apps if they do not perceive their benefits and may not recommend their use if they are unaware of their existence or credibility. Young and technology-savvy HCPs were more likely to recommend DSM apps. CONCLUSIONS Despite the potential of DSM apps to improve patients' self-care activities and diabetes outcomes, HCPs and patients remain hesitant to use them. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may hasten the integration of technology into diabetes care. The use of DSM apps may become a part of the new normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hessah Alaslawi
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Ilhem Berrou
- School of Health & Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dari Alhuwail
- Department of Information Science, College of Computing Sciences and Engineering, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Zoe Aslanpour
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Maliwichi P, Chigona W, Sowon K. Appropriation of mHealth Interventions for Maternal Health Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: Hermeneutic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e22653. [PMID: 34612835 PMCID: PMC8529477 DOI: 10.2196/22653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many maternal clients from poorly resourced communities die from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The situation is especially grave in sub-Saharan Africa. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve maternal health outcomes. mHealth interventions are used to encourage behavioral change for health care–seeking by maternal clients. However, the appropriation of such interventions among maternal health clients is not always guaranteed. Objective This study aims to understand how maternal clients appropriate mHealth interventions and the factors that affect this appropriation. Methods This study used a hermeneutic literature review informed by the model of technology appropriation. We used data from three mHealth case studies in sub-Saharan Africa: Mobile Technology for Community Health, MomConnect, and Chipatala Cha Pa Foni. We used the search and acquisition hermeneutic circle to identify and retrieve peer-reviewed and gray literature from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google, and PubMed. We selected 17 papers for analysis. We organized the findings using three levels of the appropriation process: adoption, adaptation, and integration. Results This study found that several factors affected how maternal clients appropriated mHealth interventions. The study noted that it is paramount that mHealth designers and implementers should consider the context of mHealth interventions when designing and implementing interventions. However, the usefulness of an mHealth intervention may enhance how maternal health clients appropriate it. Furthermore, a community of purpose around the maternal client may be vital to the success of the mHealth intervention. Conclusions The design and implementation of interventions have the potential to exacerbate inequalities within communities. To mitigate against inequalities during appropriation, it is recommended that communities of purpose be included in the design and implementation of maternal mHealth interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Maliwichi
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Malawi Institute of Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Wallace Chigona
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Sowon
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ossai CI, Wickramasinghe N. Text Mining and Grounded Theory for Appraising the Self-Management Indicators of Diabetes Mobile Apps. ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endmts.2021.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Alshehri F, Alshaikh F. Exploring the Constituent Elements of a Successful Mobile Health Intervention for Prediabetic Patients in King Saud University Medical City Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e22968. [PMID: 34061762 PMCID: PMC8335605 DOI: 10.2196/22968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-management of prediabetic patients is crucial since they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could contribute to potentially reducing the burden of diabetes by supporting the self-management of prediabetic patients. Objective This study aimed to explore the constituent elements of a successful mHealth intervention for prediabetic patients in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) hospitals in Saudi Arabia using the Centre for eHealth Research (CeHRes) roadmap. Methods This study used the CeHRes roadmap as a developmental guideline for proposing mHealth app features for self-management of prediabetic patients and was performed in 3 phases with one round in each phase. First, a contextual inquiry was conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire for both health care providers and patients. Second, the value specification phase elaborated on the outcomes from the contextual inquiry phase. Finally, prototype user design was performed in cocreation with end users. The design phase was also conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the proposed features of mHealth apps by prediabetic patients. Results A total of 20 health care providers participated in the study. The results revealed that the most powerful intervention for prediabetes was a combination of medication, physical activity, and healthy diet plans (12/20, 60%). Furthermore, the most common challenge faced by prediabetes patients was patient adherence to healthy diet and physical activity recommendations (10/20, 50%). Almost all patients believed that mHealth apps would be useful for prediabetic patients. A total of 48 prediabetic patients participated in the study. The results indicated that the most powerful intervention for prediabetic patients is a combination of healthy diet and physical activity plans (21/48, 44%), and the most frequent challenge that may lead the patients to discontinue the current intervention was the commitment to a physical activity plan (35/48, 75%). Furthermore, 15% (17/48) of patients use well-being and health apps to manage their current health status. The most common difficulties faced by the patients were navigating app features (mean 2.02 [SD 1.7]) followed by the app language (mean 1.88 [SD 2.0]); these difficulties occurred at a significantly higher rate among those with secondary or lower educational levels as compared to undergraduate and postgraduate levels (P<.05). Finally, the features proposed in the prototype design scored more than 2.5 points higher and indicate the need for these features to be included in the mHealth app. Conclusions This study aimed to provide real-world insights into the development of an mHealth app for a diabetes prevention intervention by involving both health care providers and prediabetic patients in KSUMC hospitals. Therefore, the proposed app, which comprises all necessary features, may aid patients with prediabetes in self-management and making changes in their lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayz Alshehri
- Executive Department of Information Technology, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Alshaikh
- Community Health Department, Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Lauffenburger JC, Barlev RA, Sears ES, Keller PA, McDonnell ME, Yom-Tov E, Fontanet CP, Hanken K, Haff N, Choudhry NK. Preferences for mHealth Technology and Text Messaging Communication in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Interview Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25958. [PMID: 34114964 PMCID: PMC8235286 DOI: 10.2196/25958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with diabetes need regular support to help them manage their diabetes on their own, ideally delivered via mechanisms that they already use, such as their mobile phones. One reason for the modest effectiveness of prior technology-based interventions may be that the patient perspective has been insufficiently incorporated. Objective This study aims to understand patients’ preferences for mobile health (mHealth) technology and how that technology can be integrated into patients’ routines, especially with regard to medication use. Methods We conducted semistructured qualitative individual interviews with patients with type 2 diabetes from an urban health care system to elicit and explore their perspectives on diabetes medication–taking behaviors, daily patterns of using mobile technology, use of mHealth technology for diabetes care, acceptability of text messages to support medication adherence, and preferred framing of information within text messages to support diabetes care. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using codes developed by the study team to generate themes, with representative quotations selected as illustrations. Results We conducted interviews with 20 participants, of whom 12 (60%) were female and 9 (45%) were White; in addition, the participants’ mean glycated hemoglobin A1c control was 7.8 (SD 1.1). Overall, 5 key themes were identified: patients try to incorporate cues into their routines to help them with consistent medication taking; many patients leverage some form of technology as a cue to support adherence to medication taking and diabetes self-management behaviors; patients value simplicity and integration of technology solutions used for diabetes care, managing medications, and communicating with health care providers; some patients express reluctance to rely on mobile technology for these diabetes care behaviors; and patients believe they prefer positively framed communication, but communication preferences are highly individualized. Conclusions The participants expressed some hesitation about using mobile technology in supporting diabetes self-management but have largely incorporated it or are open to incorporating it as a cue to make medication taking more automatic and less burdensome. When using technology to support diabetes self-management, participants exhibited individualized preferences, but overall, they preferred simple and positively framed communication. mHealth interventions may be improved by focusing on integrating them easily into daily routines and increasing the customization of content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renee A Barlev
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ellen S Sears
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Marie E McDonnell
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Kaitlin Hanken
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nancy Haff
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Niteesh K Choudhry
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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A close look at socio-technical design features of mobile applications for diabetes self-management. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-020-00497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Stehr P, Karnowski V, Rossmann C. The multi-faceted usage patterns of nutrition apps: a survey on the appropriation of nutrition apps among German-speaking users of MyFitnessPal. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:279. [PMID: 33115444 PMCID: PMC7594461 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials suggest positive influences of mobile app-based health promotion programs on dietary and physical activity behaviors. However, the actual adoption of and rates of nutrition app use remain low among the overall population. Therefore, we took a step back and investigated actual use patterns. In doing so, we took an appropriation perspective in order to reveal different styles of everyday life integration of these apps. Methods We conducted an online survey with 761 German-speaking users of the MyFitnessPal app. Respondents were asked about their detailed use of nutrition apps according to an adapted version of the mobile phone appropriation model. Based on a cluster analysis, different user types were identified. These user types were compared and further described based on analyses of variance. In addition, we conducted a multinomial logistic regression to determine significant predictors of the varying usage patterns.
Results Four different user types were identified: (1) Supported, (2) Indifferent, (3) Health-conscious, and (4) Socializer. These user types mainly differed regarding three aspects: (1) their willingness to adjust default settings to one’s own needs and abilities, (2) the role of social support and social norms, and (3) app use for socializing and competition. Conclusions Our study sheds light on the multi-faceted appropriation patterns of nutrition apps in Germany, thus paving the way for future studies on mHealth appropriation patterns and the design of more refined mHealth-interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stehr
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
| | | | - Constanze Rossmann
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
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