Health Behavior Theories in Diet Apps

Abstract

iPhone apps are being used to promote healthier diets. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which diet apps' content was guided by health behavior theory in their design and user interface. This study consisted of 58 diet apps from iTunes' Health & Fitness category. Coders downloaded the apps and rated their inclusion of theory. Scores ranged from 0 to 26 on a 100-point scale. Most apps were theory deficient and provided just general information/assistance. An opportunity exists for health behavior change experts to partner with app developers to incorporate health behavior theories into the development of individually tailored apps.

KEYWORDS:

• Apps
• behavior change
• diet
• health behavior theories
• mobile health

Notes

Note: ^a HBM = Health Belief Model, ^b TTM = Transtheoretical Model, ^c TPB = Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, ^d SCT = Social Cognitive Theory; ^e Knowledge, ^f Cognitive strategies, ^g Behavioral strategies, ^h Emotion-focused strategies, ⁱ Therapeutic interventions.

Note: HBM = Health Belief Model, TTM = Transtheoretical Model, TPB = Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, SCT = Social Cognitive Theory; The % is a ratio that was calculated by dividing the number of theoretical constructs present in each app by the total number of constructs possible for each health behavior theory.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joshua H. West

Joshua H. West, PhD, MPH ([email protected]) is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Science

P. Cougar Hall

P. Cougar Hall, PhD ([email protected]), is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Science

Victor Arredondo

Victor Arredondo, MPH(c) ([email protected]) is Master of Public Health program

Brian Berrett

Brian Berrett, MD/MPH(c) ([email protected]) is a joint medical and Master of Public health student at University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Brittany Guerra

Brittany Guerra, MPH(c) ([email protected]) is Master of Public Health program

Jaleen Farrell

Jaleen Farrell, MPH(c) ([email protected]) is Master of Public Health program; all at Brigham Young University, 221 Richards Building, Provo UT 84602.