The Journal of mHealth Vol 1 Issue 3 (June 2014) | Page 14

Industry News New US Study Shows 70% of People Tracking Their Health and Fitness Daily Using Apps A new study released by mobile engagement provider Mobiquity, Inc has found that while 70 percent of people use mobile apps on a daily basis to track calorie intake and monitor physical activities, only 40 percent share data and insights with their doctors. Working with an independent research firm, Mobiquity’s “Get Mobile, Get Healthy: The Appification of Health & Fitness” study reveals the opportunity for healthcare professionals and organisations to leverage mobile solutions to drive positive behaviour change and healthier patient outcomes. In fact, 34 percent of mobile health and fitness app users said they would increase their use of apps if their doctors actively recommended it. (69 percent), mobile shopping (68 percent), listening to music (60 percent) and making/ receiving phone calls (30 percent). Mobile drives healthier lifestyles “Our study shows there’s a huge opportunity for medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies and health organisations to use mobile to drive positive behavior change and, as a result, better patient outcomes,” said Scott Snyder, president and chief strategy officer at Mobiquity. “The gap will be closed by those who design mobile health solutions that are indispensable and laser-focused on users’ goals, and that carefully balance data collection with user control and privacy.” According to the research, 73 percent of people claim to be healthier by using a smartphone and apps to track their health and fitness. Fifty three percent, in fact, discovered they were eating more calories than they realised. Sixty-three percent intend to continue, and even increase, their mobile health tracking in the next five years. But it doesn’t stop there: 55 percent of today’s mobile health app users also plan to introduce wearable devices like pedometers, wristbands and smartwatches to their health monitoring in coming years. Smartphone health tracking beats social networking For many, using a smartphone to track their health and fitness is more important to them than using their phone for social networking But there is room for improvement What’s stopping people from using their health and fitness apps more? Doctor recommendations would be a big motivator, said 34 percent. Privacy was also a concern for 61 percent. But the chief reason people quit using these apps is simply because they forget – something that could and should be addressed by app developers to ensure health apps are less disposable. Mobiquity commissioned independent research firm Research Now to survey 1,000 consumers who use, or plan to use, health and fitness mobile apps. The study was conducted between March 5-11, 2014. Summary of results A summary of the results from this survey can be seen in the accompanying infograph. n We want to hear from you The thoughts and ideas of our readers and subscribers are essential to us at The Journal of mHealth. We want to hear your opinions on the mHealth industry. Contact us at [email protected] 12 June 2014 The Journal of mHealth The Global Voice of mHealth