Evaluating mobile apps for sun protection: content analysis and user preferences in a two-part study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sunburn and intermittent sun exposure elevate melanoma skin cancer risk. Sun protection behaviours, including limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, wearing protective gear, and using sunscreen, help mitigate excessive sun exposure. Smartphone apps present a promising platform to enhance these behaviours.

Objective

Part 1 aimed to analyse and evaluate the content of mobile apps that encourage sun protection behaviours, focusing on features, and behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Part 2 explored user preferences and usability post-initial use and two weeks later.

Results

Part 1 identified 1294 apps; after applying exclusion criteria, 87 apps were downloaded, with 48 included for analysis. The apps presented opportunities for enhancement in their theoretical

SUBMITTER: Rodrigues AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11774169 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature