Mobile diary for wellness management--results on usage and usability in two user studies

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Mobile Health Interventions

Background:

• Increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases necessitates effective prevention and management strategies.
• Behavioral change is crucial for mitigating health risks, yet adherence remains a challenge.
• Mobile technology offers a platform for accessible and personalized health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the usability, usage, and acceptance of the Wellness Diary (WD) concept for mobile wellness management.
• To assess the efficacy of WD implementations in supporting weight management and general wellness.
• To determine the suitability of a mobile, CBT-based tool for sustained user engagement in health management.

Main Methods:

• Two user studies were conducted over 3 months, each involving a different implementation of the Wellness Diary (WD) on the Symbian Series 60 (S60) mobile platform.
• Study I focused on weight management, while Study II addressed general wellness management.
• Usability, usage patterns (daily entries), and user acceptance were systematically evaluated.

Main Results:

• The Wellness Diary (WD) concept and its mobile implementations were well-received by users in both studies.
• Participants reported the WD as easy to use and beneficial for managing their wellness.
• High and sustained usage rates were observed, with an average of 5.32 (Study I) and 5.48 (Study II) daily entries.

Conclusions:

• The Wellness Diary (WD) is a well-suited and effective tool for supporting Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based wellness management.
• Mobile health interventions like the WD can achieve high user engagement and acceptance.
• The findings support the potential of personalized mobile applications in promoting healthier lifestyles and managing chronic conditions.