268475 Adolescents' recommendations for features and tools in mobile asthma management applications

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM

Tali Schneider, MPH, CHES , Social Marketing Group, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Anthony D. Panzera, MPH , Florida Prevention Research Center, Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Mary P. Martinasek, PhD, MPH, CHES, CPH , Social Marketing Group, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Jim Lindenberger, BS , Social Marketing Group, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Carol A. Bryant, PhD , Florida Prevention Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Marisa Couluris, Dr DO , University of South Florida, USF Pediatric Pulmonology, Tampa, FL
Background: Medication non-compliance is prevalent among asthmatic teens, resulting in asthmatic teens utilizing emergency services for preventable asthma attacks. The use of mobile technology among adolescents suggests its viability for use in teen asthma self- management.

Purpose: The purpose is to describe participants' experiences utilizing available asthma-related mobile applications in an effort to design a more desirable and effective application for teens. Methods: Twenty adolescents from the University of South Florida pediatric clinic used one of two existing asthma applications for a week (AsthmaMD and AsthmaPulse). Afterwards, semi-structured interviews, guided by social marketing, were conducted to ascertain the teen's experiences with the respective applications. Using Nvivo version 8 software, constant comparative methods were used to define the marketing mix for asthmatic teens. Results: Participants perceived the asthma applications as a useful tool to manage asthma. Participants provided feedback on application features and recommended other improvements to enhance appeal and practicality based on their schedules and lifestyles. Some ideas include supplemental informational material, a reminder system, a personal diary page, and video demonstrations. Visuals, graphics, and intuitive operation of the system play an important role in the teen's experiences of the applications.

Conclusions: Participants perceive asthma applications as accessible venues for disease related follow-up and self-management. Results suggest applications may strengthen medication adherence and overall asthma self-management. Applications should be user-friendly and specifically tailored for the population. Further investigation should examine the effectiveness of such tools to aid in reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and school absenteeism among this age group.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Communication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1.Describe teens’ perceptions about the benefits and barriers to current mobile internet technology related to asthma self-management. 2.List specific product design features suggested by teen participants that enhance the value of this technology. 3.Define differences and similarities in participants’ experiences using two different currently-available asthma applications.

Keywords: Adolescents, Asthma

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research associate in this team and conducting most steps of the study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3343.0: Mobile Apps in Effective Learning and Communication Part 2