Design and Content Quality of Alcohol-Related German, French and Italian Self-Tracking Applications

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21645360
AutoresHarald Klingemann (0000-0003-0957-7220, Institute of Design Research, Bern University of Applied Sciences – University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland, autor correspondente), Michael Flückiger (Institute of Design Research, Bern University of Applied Sciences – University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland), Thierry Bongard (Institute of Design Research, Bern University of Applied Sciences – University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland), Marlen Büchi (Institute of Design Research, Bern University of Applied Sciences – University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland), Marco Carrara (Institute of Design Research, Bern University of Applied Sciences – University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland)
Ano2020
Volume55
Fascículo5
Páginas851-859
Data de publicação2020-03-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2019.1708117
PMID31934803
OpenAlexW2999871929
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas17

Background: Research on the increasing use of mobile technology in the addiction field is mainly focused on data collection and brief interventions. The acceptance and outcomes of autonomous self-tracking and self-governance as key elements for behavior change are under-researched. Purpose/Objectives: The objective of the study was to conduct a quality assessment of design and content features of self-tracking smartphone applications related to alcohol use, available in German, Italian, or French. Methods: A total of 25 self-tracking applications were identified, of which 17 could be assessed with the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and an additional content quality checklist based on the theoretical self-change framework (n = 13). Results: The scale design analysis showed a rather positive picture. Using the SUS, only six cases were below the reference average (x = 68), and three were clearly above average. Application of the MARS showed higher scores among the self-tracking applications in this study than among the health applications reviewed in the original MARS study. Better design quality goes together with better basic content quality. However, a closer look at the “interactivity scores” and the “risk/information barometer,” as well as at the individual subtopics of the 10-point content checklist revealed major shortcomings. Conclusions/Importance: Improvements are necessary for consumer information in app stores, increased availability of alcohol-related self-tracking applications, transparent quality assurance regarding evidence-based content, and user-friendly design quality, to provide guidance for potential users on how to successfully navigate a highly unstable digital environment

Checklist · Human–computer interaction · Information quality · Information system · Interactivity · Multimedia · System usability scale · Usability · Web usability · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Engineering · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Psychology