Barriers to using lifestyle apps based on lessons learned from an exploratory study
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity is a widespread disease of our time, caused by poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. The most common m-health apps include lifestyle (LS), i.e. sports fitness, nutrition and meditation apps, with a higher penetration rate (~17%) in the home country compared to the global average (~11%), but below the EU average (~21%).
The aim of our research is the investigation of the reasons for the rejection of lifestyle applications (LS) by means of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Methodology: Three focus group interviews were conducted with 37 full-time, second-year recreation and lifestyle students, and an online survey was conducted with non-users (n=226) and current non-users (n=91). Themes that emerged from the qualitative research were identified through thematic analysis. Quantitative data were processed using univariate (situation indicators) and multivariate (factor analysis) statistical analyses.
Results: Based on the results of the focus group research, 5 main reasons for non-use were identified: individual considerations, redundancy, inadequacy, technical and time factors. Non-use of applications was mostly explained by redundancy and lack of interest. Reasons for refusal were identified as (1) lack of information and technical barrier, and (2) lack of interest and unnecessary. For non-users, loss of motivation and boredom were the most common reasons for not using the apps. Discontinuation of previous use was associated with (1) lack of involvement and (2) demotivation.
Conclusions: Loss of interest, demotivation and poor usability were among the barriers highlighted by several international studies. Protection of personal data was not highlighted. The research findings highlighted a lack of knowledge that had not previously been explored. It is important to inform, educate and promote the benefits of mobile health applications from an early age and to university students studying sport and health sciences.
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