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Smartphone application for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: an initial acceptability and user experience evaluation
Benjamin Naccache1, Laure Mesquida2, Jean-Philippe Raynaud2,3
1Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, TSA 40031, 31059, Toulouse cedex 9, France. naccache.b@chu-toulouse.fr.
BMC Psychiatry
|September 26, 2021
Summary
This study explored user experience and acceptability of an Anorexia Nervosa (AN) e-health app prototype for adolescents. Findings highlight the need for user involvement in design to improve adherence and effectiveness of digital health tools.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health Interventions
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Eating Disorder Treatment
Background:
- Anorexia Nervosa (AN) poses significant challenges to accessing care, making e-health programs crucial.
- E-health interventions for AN often suffer from low adherence, particularly in youth, impacting real-world effectiveness.
- User experience (UX) and acceptability are key factors influencing adherence and adoption of e-health programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the early acceptability and user experience of a prototype companion app for adolescents with AN.
- To apply user-centered design principles to understand user needs and inform future e-health development for AN.
Main Methods:
- Development of a prototype app with self-help materials and emotion/behavior management features.
- Mixed-methods evaluation involving semi-structured focus groups and questionnaires with clinicians and adolescent patients.
- Data analysis using thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data.
Main Results:
- The app prototype demonstrated adequate overall appeal, but user experience dimensions like novelty, dependability, and efficiency were weaker.
- Stimulation (motivation) and perspicuity (ease of understanding) were identified as areas for improvement in UX.
- Key themes included the critical role of design, customization, and psychoeducation, with adolescents emphasizing difficulties in finding reliable disorder information.
Conclusions:
- User-centered design is vital for developing effective e-health interventions for Anorexia Nervosa.
- Incorporating user feedback throughout the development process can enhance adherence, adoption, and overall effectiveness of digital health tools for AN.
- Addressing user needs for accessible information and engaging design is crucial for successful e-health implementation in adolescent mental health.
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