Development and Usability of the "FORTEe Get Strong" App to Promote Physical Activity and Health Awareness in...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Pediatric Oncology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Improving survival rates in pediatric cancer necessitates managing treatment side effects.
• Physical activity is crucial for mitigating these effects in young patients.
• Mobile applications offer an engaging platform for promoting physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the "FORTEe Get Strong" app.
• To conduct a formative evaluation of the app's acceptability among children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "FORTEe Get Strong" app based on behavior change theories and gamification.
• Mixed-methods evaluation using questionnaires (Likert scale, open-ended questions) and qualitative content analysis.
• Assessment of user experience in 53 patients aged 5-19 years.

Main Results:

• The app was generally well-received (mean satisfaction 4.14/5), particularly its design (4.37/5).
• App usage showed no significant differences across age groups, sex, or diagnosis.
• Qualitative feedback indicated appreciation for gamification but raised concerns about age-appropriateness and exercise adaptability.

Conclusions:

• The "FORTEe Get Strong" app shows promise as a digital tool to support physical activity and health education in young cancer patients.
• Gamified apps can complement clinical care by offering accessible health resources.
• Further research is needed to assess adherence and long-term outcomes for clinical implementation.