FIT4PEDON: Mobile Nutrition Counseling Application Effectiveness and Usability for Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Abstract

Objectives: Conventional face-to-face nutrition counseling has played a crucial role in promoting healthy habits. However, the emergence of digital health technologies has introduced mobile app-based nutrition counseling as an effective alternative. This research aims to develop and evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the FIT4PEDON mobile nutrition counseling application in promoting healthy dietary behaviors and lifestyle modifications among childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both survey and qualitative and quantitative analyses. A total of 33 health care professional experts participated. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson method, and its content validity was confirmed through expert evaluation. Usability testing was conducted with a validated questionnaire.

Results: The development process resulted in two applications: an Android mobile application and an admin web application. The findings indicated that a significant proportion of experts endorsed the app for dietary management. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between "yes" and "no" responses. However, no significant differences were found when comparing responses across different sex or age groups.

Conclusions: The FIT4PEDON application shows promise in supporting CCS to adopt healthier lifestyles. Nevertheless, the study underscores the necessity for further research, particularly focusing on specific age groups of experts with relevant experience, to achieve more conclusive results. Leveraging technology through mobile apps has the potential to improve the quality of survivorship care and foster sustained engagement in long-term care for pediatric cancer survivors.