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Understanding users' perspectives on mobile apps for anxiety management.
Andreas Balaskas1, Stephen M Schueller2,3, Anna L Cox4
1School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Frontiers in Digital Health
|September 19, 2022
Summary
This study explored user experiences with anxiety management apps (MHapps). Findings highlight the need for personalized content, better design, and improved support features to increase user engagement and overcome barriers to sustained use.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health
- Human-computer interaction
- Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent, driving demand for accessible digital interventions.
- Mental health apps (MHapps) show promise for anxiety management, but user perspectives are underexplored.
- Understanding user burden and engagement is crucial for optimizing MHapp design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate user burden and engagement with anxiety management MHapps.
- To identify factors influencing adoption and sustained use of these applications.
- To inform the design of more effective and user-centered MHapps.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining analysis of 600 app store reviews (Study 1) and 15 user interviews (Study 2).
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of user feedback to identify themes related to app experience.
- Focus on user perspectives regarding content, customization, interface, and support.
Main Results:
- Users value content variation, customizability, and intuitive interface design.
- Key barriers to sustained use include lack of personalization and inadequate support features.
- Users desire a more personalized and engaging experience to maximize benefits.
Conclusions:
- Improving MHapp design requires a human-centered approach, focusing on identified user needs.
- Personalized content delivery and enhanced social/therapeutic support features are critical for engagement.
- Addressing specific app quality issues can significantly improve the effectiveness of anxiety management MHapps.
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