Evaluating the User Experience of a Smartphone-Delivered Sexual Health Promotion Program for Older Adults in the Netherlands: Single-Arm Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Sexual health is an important component of quality of life in older adults. However, older adults often face barriers to attaining a fulfilling sexual life because of issues such as stigma, lack of information, or difficult access to adequate support. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the user experience of a self-guided, smartphone-delivered program to promote sexual health among older adults. Methods: The mobile app was made available to community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands, who freely used the app for 8 weeks. User experience and its respective components were assessed using self-developed questionnaires, the System Usability Scale, and semistructured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were descriptively and thematically analyzed, respectively. Results: In total, 15 participants (mean age 71.7, SD 9.5 years) completed the trial. Participants showed a neutral to positive stance regarding the mobile app’s usefulness and ease of use. Usability was assessed as “Ok/Fair.” The participants felt confident about using the mobile app. To increase user experience, participants offered suggestions to improve content and interaction, including access to specialized sexual health services. Conclusions: The sexual health promotion program delivered through a smartphone in a self-guided mode was usable. Participants’ perception is that improvements to user experience, namely in content and interaction, as well as connection to external services, will likely improve usefulness and acceptance.