Smart Device-Based Notifications to Promote Healthy Behavior Related to Childhood Obesity and Overweight

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a critical global health issue.
• Family environment significantly influences children's healthy habits.
• Parental support for healthy lifestyles is often lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop smart device-based notification prototypes to promote healthy behaviors in children.
• To aid parents in establishing healthy snack routines and encouraging physical activity.
• To address the challenge of childhood overweight and obesity.

Main Methods:

• Development of two smart device notification prototypes: one for healthy snacking, one for sports equipment reminders.
• Evaluation by nine nutritionists from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain.
• Assessment based on ISO 9241-210 standards for usability and ergonomics.

Main Results:

• Prototypes were perceived as useful and effective by nutritionists.
• Key strengths included comprehensibility, perceived effectiveness, and clarity.
• Areas for improvement identified were suitability for learning and discriminability.

Conclusions:

• Smart device prototypes show promise in supporting parents to foster healthy habits.
• Nutritionists would recommend these tools to patients despite potential personal usage reluctance.
• Further refinement is needed to enhance user learning and system differentiation.