Researcher(s)
- Angelina Ng, Health Behavior Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Daehyoung Lee, Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
Funding Source: University of Delaware Maggie E. Neumann Health Sciences Research Fund
Introduction: Evidence shows that mobile technology use is increasingly prevalent among autistic adults and can aid in health behavior change. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of use and preferences for mobile health (mHealth) apps to promote physical activity (PA) among autistic adults by (1) examining favorable and unfavorable features of mHealth apps and (2) exploring the potential of technology-driven PA interventions in this population.
Methods: Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with each autistic adult, and interviews focused on identifying the patterns of mobile app use, (un)favorable features of mHealth apps, and factors influencing engagement in technology-mediated interactions. Participants were recruited through the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge Research Match services (Study ID: RM0317). Descriptive statistics summarized participant demographics and app usage frequency in daily living among autistic participants. Qualitative interview data was examined through conventional content analysis.
Results: Forty-eight autistic adults (Mage 33.6±9.3; 83.3% female) completed individual interviews. Social media (64.6%) and productivity apps (62.5%) were the most frequently used app categories, followed by communication (33.3%) and gaming apps (27.1%) among participants. Favorable mHealth app features for PA promotion included intuitive interfaces and a variety of accessibility features. Unfavorable features included unclear app use instructions and limited customization of reminder schedules. Content analysis findings highlighted that autistic adults are naturally drawn to technology-mediated interactions due to a relatively lower social burden in digital interfaces compared to face-to-face interaction and inherent autistic traits, including pattern recognition and logical information processing.
Conclusion: Autistic adults reported unique preferences for specific mHealth app features to support PA engagement. These results underscore the importance of designing mHealth apps that are responsive to the specific needs and preferences of autistic adults for sustainable PA engagement.