Adolescents' Perceptions on Smartphone Applications (Apps) for Health Management

Abstract

Results: Of the 20 participants, 55% were male, 40% Latino, and 50% Black, with mean age of 15.1 years (SD 1.7). Forty percent had used health apps for tasks such as managing a medical condition or achieving a fitness goal. The overall ‘‘look and feel’’ of apps impacted adoption. Barriers to use included low awareness, competing priorities, and negative impressions, including the perception that health apps were designed primarily for adults. Facilitators to use included general features of the app (interface design, multimedia content, customizability, and rewards) and social influence.