Longitudinal User Engagement with Microinteraction Ecological Momentary Assessment (μEMA)

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Psychological Measurement

Background:

• Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is crucial for real-world data but faces engagement challenges.
• Microinteraction ecological momentary assessment (μEMA), using single-prompt smartwatch notifications, shows promise for higher response rates in shorter durations.
• Longitudinal engagement of μEMA over extended periods remains under-evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the longitudinal engagement and perceived burden of μEMA compared to traditional EMA over a 12-month study.
• To assess μEMA's viability for intensive longitudinal data collection in diverse participant engagement scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month study involving 177 participants comparing EMA (smartphone prompts) and μEMA (smartwatch prompts).
• Data analyzed across three groups: completed 12 months of EMA, withdrew after 6 months, and unenrolled due to poor EMA response.
• Engagement metrics (response rates) and perceived burden were compared between EMA and μEMA.

Main Results:

• Participants were significantly more likely to respond to μEMA prompts compared to EMA across all groups (Unenrolled: 2.25x, Withdrew: 1.65x, Completed: 1.53x; p < 0.001).
• μEMA was consistently perceived as less burdensome than EMA, irrespective of participant response rates (p < 0.001).
• 1.37 million μEMA surveys and 14.9K EMA surveys were collected.

Conclusions:

• μEMA is a highly effective and less burdensome method for intensive longitudinal data collection.
• μEMA demonstrates superior engagement over extended periods, making it suitable for participants who struggle with traditional EMA.
• This study supports μEMA as a viable tool for enhancing data capture in long-term digital health research.