Korean J Community Nutr.  2018 Jun;23(3):202-215. 10.5720/kjcn.2018.23.3.202.

The Perception of Laymen and Experts Toward Mobile Applications for Self-monitoring of Diet Based on in-depth Interviews and Focus Group Interviews

• Ahn JS
• Song S
• Moon SE
• Kim S
• Lee JE

• KMID: 2415908
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2018.23.3.202

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We conducted a qualitative study to explore the feasibility of mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet.
METHODS
We conducted in-depth and focus group interviews with eight laymen who had used mobile dietary applications and eight experts. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using an open coding method.
RESULTS
The qualitative data of our study revealed two key themes: (1) perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards mobile applications of self-monitoring of diet and (2) future directions to improve mobile applications.
CONCLUSIONS
Our qualitative study suggested the potential use of mobile applications as a food-tracking and dietary monitoring tool and the need for improved mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet. The results of our study may provide insights into how to technically improve mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet, how to utilize dietary data generated through mobile applications, and how to improve individual's health though mobile applications.

Keyword

mobile application; self-monitoring of diet; in-depth interview; focus group interview

MeSH Terms

Clinical Coding
Diet*
Focus Groups*
Methods
Mobile Applications*

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