JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Goal setting and tracking are well-established behavior change techniques that have been used with parents to modify child behaviors. Little is known about the extent to which commercially available mobile applications (apps) are designed to guide parents in using these strategies, their evidence base, and their quality.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to review commercially available apps that target parents related to setting and tracking behavioral goals for their children. The objectives were to: 1) classify the general characteristics, features, evidence base and target behaviors of the apps, 2) assess the quality of the apps, overall and separately for apps that target Health Related Behaviors (HRBs) and apps Without a Health-Related Behavior (WHRB) included.

Methods:

Apps were identified using keyword searches in the U.S. Apple App Store and Google Play. Apps were included if the main purpose was to assist with setting goals, tracking goals, tracking behaviors, and/or giving feedback pertaining to goals for children by parents. App characteristics and common features were documented and summarized to classify the apps. Quality of each app was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) by two reviewers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the MARS total score, four quality subscales, and six app-specific items that reflect perceived impact of the app on goal setting and tracking overall and with sub-group analysis for HRB and WHRB apps.

Results:

Of the 21 apps identified, 16 met criteria for review. Nine apps defined and targeted the following HRBs: 6 nutrition/mealtime, 5 physical activity/screen time, 7 sleep, 6 personal hygiene. Three apps targeted specific ages (two for 6-13 years, one starting at 4 years). None of the apps provided tailored assessments or guidance for goal-setting. None indicated that they were intended for involvement of a health professional or had been tested for efficacy. The MARS total score indicated moderate app quality overall (M=3.42, SD=0.49) and ranged from 2.5 to 4.2 out of 5 points. The Habitz app ranked highest on the MARS total score among HRB apps (4.2), while Thumsters ranked highest (3.9) among the WHRB apps. Sub-group analysis revealed a pattern of higher quality ratings in the HRB group versus the WHRB group, including the mean MARS total score (M=3.67, SD=0.34 versus M=3.09, SD=0.46; P=0.02), the Engagement and Information subscales, and the app-specific items about perceived impact on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Change.

Conclusions:

Several high-quality commercially available apps target parents to facilitate goal setting and tracking for child behavior change related to both health and non-health behaviors. However, the apps lack evidence of efficacy. Future research should address this gap, particularly targeting parents of young children, and consider including individually-tailored guided goal setting and potential involvement of health professionals. Clinical Trial: Not applicable