Empowering young adolescents to choose the healthy lifestyle: A persuasive intervention using mobile phones

Abstract

Overweight is one of the major health problems in the Netherlands. Young adolescents with a lower socioeconomic background are especially vulnerable to overweight. This study examines the potential of mobile applications to influence the unhealthy behaviour of young adolescents. A mobile application is proposed to assist in the prevention of overweight using persuasive technology. The application encourages young adolescents to increase fruit consumption and decrease snack consumption. Results of the evaluation show that participants perceive the app as easy to use and useful. Overall, participants showed a more positive attitude and self-efficacy regarding the consumption of fruit, and a more negative attitude towards snacks, which is subsequently expected to influence their behaviour in the long term. According to participants, social influences generated by the app further contribute to this change in attitude and behaviour. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.