Memon, A. and Yarker, Jo and Russell, E. and Lloyd-Houldey, A. (2019) Young people’s health literacy and the uptake of an NHS app: a quantitative study of users. In: 19th Congress of the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology (EAWOP) : Working for the greater good, 29 May - 01 Jun 2019, Turin, Italy. (Unpublished)
Abstract
PURPOSE: Young-people are increasingly using apps and the internet to source information about health. However, the range of online sources available are inconsistent in their reliability and trustworthiness, and young-people are not always able to translate advice and information into improved health behaviors (health literacy). In this study, we evaluated whether a new clinically approved NHS health app for young-people can improve health literacy. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews and focus-groups were conducted with 26 young-people in the target age and demographic ranges. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to frame the research. RESULTS: Using thematic analysis, young-people reported that across 4 subthemes, the app had good ‘perceived usefulness’ and was credible and trustworthy. This positively influenced uptake, although social influences were under-developed in influencing acceptance. The app lacked ‘perceived ease of use’ across three themes, which limited the impact on health literacy and improved health behaviors. LIMITATIONS: Turnout at the focus groups was low, suggesting sample confounds for motivation. IMPLICATIONS: Empowering young-people to take control of their health literacy is a key concern for health service providers (such as the NHS) who need to provide cost-effective ways of addressing emerging health needs. Our research indicates how future health apps can be designed to optimize this. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This is the first qualitative study to demonstrate how a general, free health app can be actively adopted by young people to optimize health literacy.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Business and Law > Birkbeck Business School |
| Depositing User: | Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Mar 2019 14:01 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2023 17:52 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/28192 |
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