Evaluating mobile apps for sun protection: content analysis and user preferences in a two-part study

Area of Science:

• Mobile health
• Dermatology
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Sunburn and intermittent sun exposure are significant risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
• Sun protection behaviors are crucial for mitigating excessive sun exposure.
• Smartphone applications offer a promising avenue to enhance sun protection behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and evaluate mobile applications designed to promote sun protection behaviors, focusing on their features and behavior change techniques (BCTs).
• To explore user preferences and usability of these apps after initial use and a two-week follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of 1294 identified mobile apps, with 48 ultimately included for detailed feature and BCT analysis.
• User usability and preference testing with participants evaluating app features, including ease of use, tailored advice, and proactive elements.

Main Results:

• The 48 analyzed apps offered opportunities for improvement in theoretical basis and visualization (e.g., UV-index).
• A total of 12 BCTs were identified, with 'instruction on how to perform behavior' (65%), 'information about health consequences' (29%), and 'prompts/cues' (27%) being most common.
• Users preferred apps that were free of ads and in-app purchases, prioritizing knowledge, ease of use, and tailored advice, especially for initial exposure.

Conclusions:

• Sun protection apps that emphasize knowledge, user-friendliness, personalized recommendations, and proactive features are more likely to foster long-term user engagement.
• Optimizing current and developing future sun protection apps should focus on these key elements to maximize effectiveness in promoting sun safety behaviors.