Health and Activity Monitoring Using Smart Devices to Support the Self-management of Health Behavior

Abstract

Diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease are non-infectious medical conditions that are classified as non-communicable diseases, or chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDLs). These conditions are now the second leading cause of disease and death in Africa. To promote the self-management of CDLs, better intervention strategies are needed that reduce the effects of CDL risk factors. These strategies should primarily focus on the promotion of healthy lifestyles and better self-management of health behavior. Possible solutions involve providing individuals with health information using smart or wearable devices that can track physical activity, sleep and exercise. Twenty-one participants, between the ages of 30 and 60, took part in a field study to evaluate the efficacy of these smart devices. The field study was conducted over two weeks, in two one-week-long phases, with each phase having different objectives. The objective of the first phase was to identify health risks and form health behavior change intentions. The objective of the second phase was to set manageable goals for the participants, motivated by the intentions formed in the first phase. The results of the study show how smart devices can be used to motivate users and monitor health data. These results provide empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that smart devices can be used to support the self-management of health behavior. This research also resulted in an updated version of the Health Action Process Approach, incorporating the use of smart devices.