Lesli Biediger-Friedman1, Sylvia H Crixell2, Monica Silva1, Brittany R Markides1, Kenneth S Smith3. 1. School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA. 2. School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA. scrixell@txstate.edu. 3. School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to conduct the first stages of a user-centered design of a smartphone app designed to improve health behaviors among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas. METHODS: Focus groups explored facilitators and barriers to health behaviors, current use of apps, and desired features in a WIC app. RESULTS: Facilitators to improve health behaviors included access to information, support from healthcare practitioners and family, and implementation of strategies. Current app use themes included texting/chatting, accessing information, tracking/locating, planning/scheduling, sharing, and gaming. Frequencies of key themes within and across groups were used to inform app prototype design. Mock-ups of 15 prototype features were developed based on themes of facilitators and currently used app features. Participants agreed that having all features combined into a single WIC app would be convenient and provide trustworthy information from WIC. CONCLUSIONS: The enthusiasm of focus group participants for a comprehensive WIC app suggests that this initiative is timely, and that an app has potential to improve health behaviors. Future research should continue the user-centered design process through further evaluation of prototype features, incorporating cultural preferences at every step.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to conduct the first stages of a user-centered design of a smartphone app designed to improve health behaviors among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas. METHODS: Focus groups explored facilitators and barriers to health behaviors, current use of apps, and desired features in a WIC app. RESULTS: Facilitators to improve health behaviors included access to information, support from healthcare practitioners and family, and implementation of strategies. Current app use themes included texting/chatting, accessing information, tracking/locating, planning/scheduling, sharing, and gaming. Frequencies of key themes within and across groups were used to inform app prototype design. Mock-ups of 15 prototype features were developed based on themes of facilitators and currently used app features. Participants agreed that having all features combined into a single WIC app would be convenient and provide trustworthy information from WIC. CONCLUSIONS: The enthusiasm of focus group participants for a comprehensive WIC app suggests that this initiative is timely, and that an app has potential to improve health behaviors. Future research should continue the user-centered design process through further evaluation of prototype features, incorporating cultural preferences at every step.
Authors: Abigail Gamble; Mary Margaret Saulters; Katherine L Cranston; Daniel W Jones; Sharon J Herring; Bettina M Beech Journal: J Public Health Manag Pract Date: 2020 Sep/Oct
Authors: Pamela Hull; Janice S Emerson; Meghan E Quirk; Juan R Canedo; Jessica L Jones; Violetta Vylegzhanina; Douglas C Schmidt; Shelagh A Mulvaney; Bettina M Beech; Chiquita Briley; Calvin Harris; Baqar A Husaini Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2017-08-02 Impact factor: 4.773