Investigation of Influential Factors of Predicting Individuals' Use and Non-use of Fitness and Diet Apps on Smartphones: Application of the Machine Learning Algorithm (XGBoost).

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to find the influential factors in determining individuals' use and non-use of fitness and diet apps on smartphones. To this end, we focused on diverse groups of predictors that would significantly affect people's use and non-use of these apps. Methods: Overall, we considered 105 factors as potential predictors and included them in further analyses using a machine learning algorithm, XGBoost. The main reason for selecting this particular algorithm was that it had been known as one of the most accurate and popular algorithms for predicting consumer behaviors. Results: We found the accuracy score of those factors for predicting people's use and non-use of fitness and diet apps was approximately 71.3%. In particular, the most influential predictors were mainly related to social influence, media use, overeating, social support, health management, and attitudes toward exercise. Conclusion: These findings contribute to helping scholars and practitioners to develop more practical strategies of the implementation of fitness and diet apps.