Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Nov 1, 2023
Date Accepted: Feb 19, 2024
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Multiprofessional Mobile Application Development for Promoting Health Habits in the Elderly: A User-Centered Perspective
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
While comprehensive lifestyle habits are crucial for healthy aging, their adherence tends to decline as individuals grow older. Sustaining a healthy life over the years poses a motivational challenge. Some digital tools, such as smartphone applications aimed at promoting healthy habits, have been utilized to counteract this decline. However, a more profound investigation is necessary into the diverse experiences of users, particularly when it concerns the elderly or those who are not familiar with information and communication technologies.
Objective:
Objective:
to develop a mobile application focused on promoting the health of the elderly, based on the principles of software engineering and user-centered design. The project respected all ethical guidelines and involved the participation of older people at various stages of the app's development
Methods:
Methods:
The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection. The study was conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and involved 20 elderly participants of both genders, aged 60 years or older, who were enrolled in the Physical Education Program for the Elderly (PEFI) at the University of São Paulo (EEFERP-USP). The research unfolded in multiple phases, encompassing the development and refinement of the application with active engagement from the elderly participants.
Results:
Results:
The results of these assessments were utilized to enhance the application, making it more accessible and effective. The "VIVA" application was designed for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and comprises 12 screens that assist elderly individuals in documenting their health and self-care actions, accessing a health education library, and establishing direct communication with healthcare professionals for basic health guidance and decision-making support related to the health of the elderly.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
This study contributes to the development of healthcare technologies tailored to the elderly population, taking into account their specific needs. It is anticipated that the resulting application will serve as a valuable tool for promoting healthy habits and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration: (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-6wgkzs8).
Citation
