JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mobile health (mHealth) applications that support individuals in various health related issues such as weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, and self-management of chronic conditions have been on the rise. Despite their potential benefits, the use of these tools has been limited since most users drop them, just after a few times of use. Under these circumstances, achieving the intended outcomes of mHealth applications is less likely.

Objective:

To identify the factors that determine decision to continue use of mHealth applications and identify different use decision scenarios.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative, longitudinal study on mHealth use and its perceived effectiveness. We collected data through pre- and post-use interviews (total of 34) and daily diaries during two weeks of use (total of 238) from 17 participants.

Results:

We identified nine key factors that influence mHealth use related to interface design, navigation, notifications, data collection methods and tools, goal management, depth of knowledge, system rules, actionable recommendations, and user/system fit. By considering users’ persistence at health goals and their overall assessment of mHealth applications, we developed a framework that illustrates four decisions users may pursue after initial interaction (to abandon use, to limit use, to switch application, and to continue use).

Conclusions:

The findings highlight the role of key factors that influence individual’s decision whether to continue mHealth application or not. These factors were related to the design of the application as well as individuals’ health goals. Further analysis showed that depending on overall assessment of the application and individuals’ persistence at their health goals, four scenarios are likely, where users decide to abandon, to limit, to switch application, or to continue use of mHealth application.