Search Results (5)

Mobile health (mHealth) apps are designed to support health behavior outcomes and improve well-being. The existing body of literature confirms mHealth’s overall efficacy in promoting physical activity; however, more research on its utility in sustaining user engagement is needed. Understanding the determinants of an individual’s willingness to continue using mHealth is vital to improving the intervention’s success. This study developed a unified model and survey instrument adapted from extant literature while introducing new constructs to predict the sustained use of gamified mHealth. A pilot study was conducted to validate the survey instrument using 48 gamified fitness app users in Malaysia. The survey instrument was tested following rigorous guidelines for quantitative research in the information system context. According to the findings, the reliabilities of most measurement items met the criterion, and those items were retained. Overall, this paper contributes by integrating social comparison theory and the self-determination theory for sustaining user engagement with gamified mHealth through an extrinsic and intrinsic motivation perspective. Full article

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, education and learning have been compelled to go entirely online rather than using conventional offline media. As a result, remote learning adoption has exploded, neither planned nor anticipated. The challenges and benefits of such widespread adoption have gradually unfolded in front of our own eyes. Unlike other courses, science and technology (S&T) courses are more technical, involve practical lessons, and require careful planning for effective delivery via remote learning platforms. Thus, existing remote learning frameworks are too general and are not designed for S&T courses. In addition, the evolving requirements of learners’ demand revision of prior frameworks to be relevant today. In this paper, we propose a remote learning reference framework called C19MOOC for S&T courses offered at higher learning institutions. The framework will provide the essential components to be considered in the development of remote learning systems for these courses. A focus group discussion was conducted to elicit learners’ requirements and preferences for remote learning systems that offer S&T courses. The existing Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) framework was adapted to match learners’ current needs and expectations. The MOOC framework’s existing dimensions and components were redefined, and three new dimensions (Engagement, Governance, and Self-determination) and components were added. An expert review was administered to validate the C19MOOC framework. Based on our findings, it was determined that remote learning has excellent potential as an effective platform for education at higher learning institutions. Shortcomings that emerged during its immense use in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic can be addressed by leveraging the proposed framework. The C19MOOC framework will be useful for S&T education stakeholders, institutions, and system developers to identify suitable dimensions, components, and features to consider when designing remote learning systems for S&T education. Full article

Mobile health (mHealth) apps have great potential to improve health outcomes. Given that mHealth apps have become ubiquitous, there is limited focus on their abandonment. Data concerning crucial metrics, including reasons for adoption and discontinued use, are limited. This study aims to gain broad insights into utilization of mHealth and game-like features promoting user engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 209 mHealth users worldwide. The 17-item survey assessed sociodemographics, as well as the key motivators for mHealth uptake and discontinued use. Our findings show that sports and fitness activity tracking were the most common categories of health apps, with most users engaging with them at least several times a week. Interestingly, the most downloaded mHealth apps among younger adults include MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, Nike Run Club, and Samsung Health. Critical drivers of abandonment of mHealth apps were amotivation, loss of interest, and experimenting with different apps to identify the most suitable tool. Additionally, the financial cost of mHealth apps is crucial, with most participants advocating for free or more affordable apps. The study findings suggest that while many individuals utilize mHealth, several factors drive their abandonment. Moreover, data indicate that mHealth developers need to consider gamification strategies to sustain user commitment, as well as psychological variables, such as intrinsic motivation. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition that can lead to many life-threatening diseases. Prediabetes is defined as a state in which blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This stage can be reversible with appropriate lifestyle and dietary modifications. Existing solutions are mostly developed to deal with T2D instead of preventing it in the first place. In this study, we propose a framework to aid in the development of self-care systems to prevent T2D, which integrates behavioral change theories and techniques and offers features, such as goal setting, activity planning, and health monitoring. We then assessed the feasibility of a prediabetes self-care system designed based on the proposed framework. Quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted in evaluating i-PreventDiabetes, a prototype. Numerous aspects of the prototype were evaluated, including (1) its effectiveness in assisting individuals with prediabetes in improving their health management behaviors, (2) its effect on users’ attitudes toward diabetes prevention, (3) users’ motivation levels, (4) user acceptability of the system, and (5) user experience. Users viewed i-PreventDiabetes positively and experienced a positive change in their attitude toward their health. Diabetes prevention systems, such as i-PreventDiabetes, have the potential to increase self-care behaviors among individuals with prediabetes, enabling them to manage their lifestyle and nutrition more effectively to avert a variety of potentially fatal conditions. Full article

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, teaching and learning have been forced to move fully to the Internet rather than the conventional offline medium. As a result, the use of M-learning has risen dramatically, which was neither expected or anticipated. The challenges and benefits of such widespread usage are beginning to emerge in front of us. Thus, in this paper, we systematically review the benefits and challenges of leveraging M-learning for Science and Technology courses during the COVID-19 pandemic by educators and learners. Related articles were obtained from various databases, namely, IEEE, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, and Springer. In total, 4210 related articles were initially found. Upon executing careful selection criteria, 22 articles were selected for review. After that, the advantages and threats were identified and discussed. As per our findings, it was determined that M-learning has excellent potential to be an effective platform for education provided that the identified shortcomings are resolved. This review will be helpful for education stakeholders and institutions to gauge the impact of leveraging M-learning as the only means for education to proceed. Moreover, it reveals the strengths and shortcomings that would aid in adjusting the relevant policies administered by the institutions. Furthermore, application developers will be able to comprehend the expected features that should be included in novel M-learning platforms. Full article