Promote physical activity to prevent non communicable desease using mobile phones

What is it about?

Physical activity is one of the ways to promote a healthy and balanced life, which can prevent non-communicable disease. There is growing evidence that physical activity can be promoted through the use of mobile-based health (mHealth) applications. However, the adoption of such applications is influenced by many factors. This study investigates these factors and the relationship among them to propose a model for the adoption of mHealth applications that promote physical activity. The study has adopted two theoretical lenses as the guiding frameworks, namely the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Data has been collected from a convenient sample of 140 respondents from South Africa, using a survey questionnaire. The results have revealed that awareness, effort expectancy, social influence and behavioural intention explain 35.3% of the variance of the use behaviour towards adopting mHealth applications that promote physical activity in South Africa.

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Photo by sporlab on Unsplash

Photo by sporlab on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are increasingly being considered as ways to promote physical activity (or exercise) for the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are defined as chronic and acute diseases that emanate from a combination of physical, environmental and behavioural factors, constitute the primary causes of deaths in developing countries. The increase in the use of mobile phones provides an opportunity to devise interventions to promote healthy lifestyles such as engaging in regular physical exercise. Such mobile health applications can help their users to exercise regularly or monitor their heart rate, among other things. However, the adoption of such mHealth applications is still limited due to many factors. Therefore, it was important for this study to understand these factors and the relationships among them in order to find ways of encouraging the youth to adopt mHealth applications that promote physical activity.

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