Development of a Smartphone Application Prototype for Child Obesity Prevention: Rationale and Study Design of Acceptability and Feasibility Tests.
10.15384/kjhp.2015.15.4.194
- Author:
Hyerang KIM
1
;
Jae Heon KANG
;
Hyn Ah PARK
;
Soo Hyun CHO
;
Sohye JEON
;
Ji Hye JUNG
;
Eunju SUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. eunjusung68@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Behavioral change;
Child obesity;
Gamification;
Smartphone application
- MeSH:
Child Behavior;
Child*;
Compliance;
Eating;
Feasibility Studies;
Health Behavior;
Humans;
Intention;
Life Style;
Missions and Missionaries;
Motor Activity;
Obesity;
Pediatric Obesity*;
Smartphone
- From:Korean Journal of Health Promotion
2015;15(4):194-201
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: There have been many efforts to rectify lifestyles that contribute to obesity using a variety of methodologies in heterogeneous settings, but effective and sustainable interventions that are suitable for children are still needed. We developed a smartphone application called "HAPPY ME" for guiding health behavior decisions, which employs gamification and self-monitoring strategies. The aim of this paper is to outline the rationale and methods for the development and feasibility test of "HAPPY ME". METHODS: The study consisted of two phases: 1) description of theory-based conceptual framework and rationales for smartphone application development and 2) outline of a pre- and post-test design in 4th-6th grade of healthy elementary school students for 4 weeks. The students will be delivered missions or messages on a daily basis, which is to stretch the knowledge and skills for action. They will simultaneously be engaged in self-monitoring their eating and physical activities to clear daily quests. To measure acceptability and feasibility we will monitor usability, compliance, and satisfaction for a 4-week study period and evaluate the intervention effects on self-efficacy, readiness, and intention to engage in healthy behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the feasibility study will show whether the smartphone application "HAPPY ME" for children is acceptable, as well as if it is usable and feasible for self-directed health management. The results will provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of smartphone application-supported child behavioral modification for child obesity prevention and management.
