Unveiling Digital Pathways to Active Aging: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Older Adults’ Experiences and the Impact of Person-Level Factors on mHealth Intervention Engagement

IF 2 4区 医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Iris Maes, Stéphanie Carlier, Julie Latomme, Femke De Backere, Greet Cardon, Delfien Van Dyck
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Abstract

Background. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions hold promise in assisting older adults to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Yet, little is known about how older adults perceive using smartphones to enhance their PA. This study explored older adults’ experiences with the “My Health Plan” mHealth intervention and examined which person-level factors were associated with adherence. Methods. Forty older adults (52.5% female, mean age: 72.6 years) were instructed to use the My Health Plan application, which provided up to six stretch- and strengthening exercises per day and to wear a Fitbit Charge activity monitor for seven consecutive days. Person-level factors (e.g., gender and age) and psychosocial factors (e.g., intention and motivation) were assessed using a questionnaire. Afterwards, semistructured interviews were conducted to gather participants’ experiences with the application and Fitbit. Deductive thematic analysis (qualitative data) and regression analyses (quantitative data) were conducted. Results. Key themes emerging from the interviews were (1) smartphone notifications (including timing and number) and carrying the smartphone throughout the day, (2) suggested stretch- and strengthening exercises, (3) providing feedback, (4) experiences with Fitbit, and (5) overall suggestions for improving the application and mHealth interventions. Overall, participants reported positive experiences with the application and Fitbit. Being male, having higher baseline PA, lower anxiety, and greater ability to participate in social roles and activities were related to increased engagement with the proposed exercises. Conclusions. This study provides valuable insights to optimize future mHealth interventions tailored to older adults’ specific needs, aligning with their perceptions of the digital transformation in health promotion.

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揭示积极老龄化的数字途径:关于老年人的经验以及个人层面因素对移动医疗干预参与度影响的混合方法探索性研究
背景。移动健康(mHealth)干预有望帮助老年人达到体育锻炼(PA)指南的要求。然而,人们对老年人如何看待使用智能手机加强体育锻炼却知之甚少。本研究探讨了老年人使用 "我的健康计划 "移动医疗干预措施的体验,并研究了哪些个人层面的因素与坚持使用该干预措施有关。研究方法研究人员指导 40 名老年人(52.5% 为女性,平均年龄 72.6 岁)使用 "我的健康计划 "应用程序,该应用程序每天提供多达六次拉伸和强化练习,并要求他们连续七天佩戴 Fitbit Charge 活动监测器。使用问卷对个人因素(如性别和年龄)和社会心理因素(如意向和动机)进行了评估。随后进行了半结构化访谈,以收集参与者对应用和 Fitbit 的体验。然后进行了演绎主题分析(定性数据)和回归分析(定量数据)。结果如下访谈中出现的关键主题包括:(1) 智能手机通知(包括时间和数量)和全天携带智能手机;(2) 建议的伸展和强化练习;(3) 提供反馈;(4) 使用 Fitbit 的体验;(5) 对改进应用程序和移动健康干预措施的总体建议。总体而言,参与者对该应用程序和 Fitbit 的使用体验表示肯定。男性、较高的基线 PA、较低的焦虑以及较强的参与社会角色和活动的能力与更多地参与所建议的练习有关。结论。这项研究为优化未来移动医疗干预措施提供了宝贵的见解,这些干预措施是根据老年人的具体需求量身定制的,符合他们对健康促进数字化转型的看法。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
4.50
自引率
8.30%
发文量
423
期刊介绍: Health and Social Care in the community is an essential journal for anyone involved in nursing, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, general practice, health psychology, health economy, primary health care and the promotion of health. It is an international peer-reviewed journal supporting interdisciplinary collaboration on policy and practice within health and social care in the community. The journal publishes: - Original research papers in all areas of health and social care - Topical health and social care review articles - Policy and practice evaluations - Book reviews - Special issues
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