Nova Scotia Parents' Perceptions on the use of Smartphone Health Applications in Improving Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits

Abstract

Busy families of Nova Scotia and similar populations find it challenging to make healthy nutrition and exercise choices due to time constraints (Chircop et al, under review; Jabs et al, 2007; Devine et al, 2006). Smartphone application technology can provide health behavior change interventions in a mobile and fast format (Breton, Bernard, Fuemmeler, Lorien & Abroms, 2011). Using focus groups, this research addressed parent’s perceptions on how smartphone application technology can support nutrition and physical activity habits within their family and what, if any, barriers exist in adopting this form of health behavior intervention. Findings revealed this population believes smartphone health applications can improve family nutrition and physical activity as long as barriers are minimized and requirements for adoption are met. Diffusion of Innovations theory was used to understand the adoption rate within the target population. Thoughts on future work efforts for related health behaviour interventions is discussed.