Using Smartphones and Health Apps to Change and Manage Health Behaviors: A Population-Based Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic conditions are an increasing challenge for individuals and the health care system. Smartphones and health apps are potentially promising tools to change health-related behaviors and manage chronic conditions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore (1) the extent of smartphone and health app use, (2) sociodemographic, medical, and behavioral correlates of smartphone and health app use, and (3) associations of the use of apps and app characteristics with actual health behaviors.

Methods

A population-based survey (N=4144) among Germans, aged 35 years and older, was conducted. Sociodemographics, presence of chronic conditions, health behaviors, quality of life, and health literacy, as well as the use of the Internet, smartphone, and health apps

SUBMITTER: Ernsting C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5399221 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature