Exploring the Receptivity and Feasibility of Just-In-Time Support for Healthy Food Choices: Mixed-Method Insights for...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Nutritional Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Suboptimal diets pose significant health risks, yet sustained healthy eating is challenging.
• Just-in-Time (JIT) digital interventions show promise for supporting dietary changes.
• Understanding user receptivity to JIT prompts in specific contexts is crucial for intervention design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate user receptivity to a JIT mobile application designed to prompt healthy food choices.
• To assess the influence of timing, location, and emotional state on receptivity to dietary prompts.
• To explore the usability, privacy perceptions, and effectiveness of JIT dietary support.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, mixed-methods study involving 14 adults using a JIT app for one week.
• Data collection included questionnaires, in-app feedback, and interviews.
• Receptivity was measured by willingness and ability to act on prompts in real-world settings.

Main Results:

• Highest receptivity to JIT prompts occurred at meaningful times/locations (home, supermarkets) and during positive emotional states.
• Usability challenges included technical issues and battery drain; participants were open to transparent data use for personalization.
• Users reported improved self-rated diet quality and goal-related behaviors; lower-educated participants faced more difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Contextual and temporal factors significantly influence receptivity to JIT dietary support.
• Findings inform the development of adaptive digital interventions tailored to individual needs and states.
• Personalized JIT support holds potential for improving dietary habits, though accessibility and usability require attention.