Investigation of Young People’s Use of Mobile Health Apps, and Their Physical Activity and Health Perception Levels

Abstract

Objectives: The interest in mobile health apps is increasing day by day. This study aimed to examine young people’s preferences for mobile health apps, their physical activity levels, and health perceptions. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 283 students from two vocational schools of higher education. Participants were asked to complete the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and the Perception of Health Scale, as well as questions about their mobile health application preferences. The data were evaluated at p<0.05 significance level. Results: The study was conducted with 283 participants with a mean age of 20.6±2 years. The number of participants using health-related apps on their smartphones was 179 (63.3%). Of the 104 participants who did not use mobile health apps, 71.1% reported that they did not prefer them because they thought they would not use them regularly. 11 participants did not know about mobile apps. 41.9% had been using mobile health apps for about one year, and the most used app was pedometers (n=147). Both health perceptions and physical activity scores of individuals who used mobile health apps were higher than those who did not (respectively; p=0.003, p<0.001), and the health perception of physically active individuals was higher than the others (p=0.044). Conclusion: Currently, the use of mobile health applications is associated with both health perception and physical activity. However, constant use of the apps cannot be ensured. Therefore, it is important to provide the necessary promotion and motivation to people.