Smartphone Applications and Wearables for Health Parameters in Young Adulthood: A Cross-Sectional Study with Public Involvement (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Fostering innovative and more effective interventions to support active ageing strategies since youth is crucial to help this population adopt healthier lifestyles using technologies they are already familiar with. mHealth, especially apps and wearables, are promising tools for this aspect due to their versatility and ease of use. OBJECTIVE The aim is to investigate if young adults (18-26 years old) use apps or wearables to monitor or improve their health variables (i.e., physical activity, diet and mental health), and how, also assessing most used apps and wearables. Finally, the importance of many characteristics and functions of apps and wearables will be evaluated. METHODS This cross-sectional study used a public involvement framework and an anonymous web survey, created and disseminated on the Italian territory for 3 months. It was made of 5 sections: I) demographics, II) mobile apps and wearable devices for physical activity and sports, III) mobile apps and wearable devices for diet, IV) mobile apps and wearable devices for mental health, V) preferences about mobile apps and wearable devices. RESULTS A total of 693 questionnaires were analysed and the sample presented an equal gender distribution (females: 52,4%). Participants using an app or a wearable for physical activity were 46,2%, while for diet and mental health were respectively 8,6% and 22,5%. Moreover, the frequency of use of these technologies was on a daily base, more prevalent for wearables. Apps and wearables characteristics identified as most important were user-friendliness, having all the contents for free, loading speed and icon clarity. CONCLUSIONS Apps and wearables, especially for physical activity, might be addressed as kick-off interventions for young adults to expand their interest in other health variables, such as diet and mental health. Moreover, further studies should deepen the factors behind the use and the motivation of young adults in adopting mobile apps and wearables, exploring possible barriers and facilitators.