Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jul 23, 2021
Date Accepted: May 16, 2022
Breast Cancer Physical Activity Mobile Intervention: User Experience and Acceptability Early Findings.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Physical Activity (PA) is the most well-established lifestyle factor associated with Breast Cancer (BC) survival. Even, women with advanced BC may benefit from moderate PA. However, most of BC symptoms and treatment side effects are barriers to PA. Mobile Health coaching systems can implement functionalities and features based on behavioral change theories to promote healthier behaviors. However, to increase its acceptability among women with BC, it is essential that these digital persuasive systems are designed considering their contextual characteristics, needs, and preferences.
Objective:
Examining potential acceptability/feasibility of the intervention, assessing usability and other aspects of the user experience, and identifying key considerations and aspects for future improvements that may help increase and sustain acceptability and engagement.
Methods:
A mixed-methods case series evaluation of usability and acceptability was followed in this study. The study consisted of three sessions: Initial session, home session, and final session. Two standardized scales were used, the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) and the international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF). Participants were asked to use the app at home for a period of around 2 weeks. App usage and PA data was collected from the app and stored in a secure server during this period. In the final session, participants filled in 2 app evaluation scales and took part in a short individual interview. They also completed the system usability scale (SUS) and the user version of the mobile app rating scale (uMARS). Participants were provided with a waist pocket, wired in-ear headphones, and a smartphone. They also received printed instructions. A content analysis of qualitative data collected in the interviews was carried out iteratively, ensuring that no critical information was overlooked.
Results:
IPAQ-SF found that all participants were moderately active, but half of them did not reach the recommended levels in the guidelines. Only 1 (out of 4) participant was single and reported being slightly dissatisfied with their life according to SWLS. Scores of SUS were all higher than 70 out of 100 (72.5, 77.5, 95, and 80) while uMARS overall score were 4, 4.3, 4.4, and 3.6 out of 5. The app was perceived as nice, user-friendly, straightforward, and easy to understand. The recognition of achievements, the possibility to check activity history and, the rescheduling option were positively highlighted. Technical difficulties with the system data collection, and particularly with the miscount of steps, could made users feel frustrated. Participants suggested improvements and indicated that the app has a potential to work well for breast cancer survivors.
Conclusions:
The early results presented in this study point to the potential of this tool concept to provide a friendly and satisfying coaching experience to the users, which may help improve PA adherence in breast cancer survivors. Clinical Trial: N/A
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