Young Adults Journey with Digital Fitness Tools-A Qualitative Study on Use of Fitness Tracking Device

Physical activity trackers possess the potential to encourage increased physical activity. However, users often exhibit poor long-term adherence to these devices, which may stem from a lack of understanding of the factors influencing their use, as well as changes in health behavior. This study aims to provide new insights into the types of health-related apps and devices that young people discover, select, and utilize, along with the underlying reasons for their choices.

Young adults aged between 18-25 years reporting the use and nonuse of health apps and wearables were recruited and participated in focus group discussions about app choice, features, their perceptions towards the physical activity trackers, and reasons for continued use and for not using one. A total of Nine FGDS were conducted among users, nonusers, and former users of physical activity tracker usage. Data was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes in an iterative approach.

The physical activity tracker users group stated that they had a sense of achievement, validation, and other motivational feedback, which helped with adherence. All three groups (user, non-user, and former user) had similar concerns about cost, reliability, accuracy, and dependency. Former users also reported that the idea of accomplishing the goals would create anxiety and, in turn, harm the body. Former users and nonusers expressed their concerns regarding lack of time and loss of motivation to track their physical activity. Nonusers had issues with the functionality of the device (ease of use, battery, notifications, apps hang) and were also aware of all the health benefits of using wearables.

Physical activity users group, former users group, and nonusers group shared concerns about accuracy, cost, and battery.