User Perceptions of Behavioral Change Strategies in Diabetes Apps: Feedback From Online Support Groups

Behavioral change strategies are used in mobile health applications to help individuals manage chronic conditions like diabetes. However, there is limited research on user preferences and perceptions regarding these strategies in the context of diabetes management apps. This study aimed to investigate the preferences of individuals with diabetes and their relatives concerning behavioral intervention functions used in mobile health apps to enhance the design and effectiveness of future applications.

An online survey was conducted to gather sociodemographic information, details about diabetes diagnoses, and the target group's preferences for the use of nine main behavioral change strategies, possible to include in mobile health apps. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with specific statements related to each of the nine strategies on a three-point scale: "Agree," "Don't know," or "Disagree." Recruitment efforts targeted 12 diabetes support groups on Facebook.

A total of 107 responses were received, all from Norwegian Facebook groups. The most valued behavior intervention function for diabetes apps was enablement, where 85% of the respondents wanted app functions based on this. Second, environmental restructuring received 70.1% votes, followed by incentivization and training, with 68.2% and 67.3%, respectively.

We identified that the users in this survey preferred more, and other behavior change strategies that were identified were used in a recent review. We conclude that more awareness is needed among app developers of preferences among end users.