Does perceived usability of a multi-component mobile device intervention improve health-related quality of life?

Abstract Background Good health-related quality of life (HRQL) is essential to healthy aging. Prior studies have demonstrated that mobile device technologies can promote HRQL in older adults. However, evidence of technology acceptance in older adults is often inconsistent and poorly understood. Purpose This study aims to 1) describe technology acceptance using efficiency, learnability, user experience (i.e., acceptability), and perceived control from the USABILITY survey of a multi-component mobile device intervention consisting of a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit Versa), access to Lose It app, and text messages (for experimental group only) in older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, and 2) examine the correlation between technology acceptance and changes in HRQL before and after using each component of the digital intervention. Methods Data were collected using a purpose-built technology usability survey, and HRQL was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which measured perceived physical and mental health. Correlations were used to identify associations between technology acceptance and HRQL. Results The mean age of participants (n=54) was 65.4 ± 6.0 years; a majority were females (60%), married (53%), Hispanic (66%), and had a high school education or higher (76%). Table 1 shows that the experimental group had considerably higher HRQL at three months, but no differences in technology acceptance were noted. Fitbit technology adoption was found to be correlated with physical HRQL (r=304, p=0.027). The Lose It app showed no correlation with HRQL. Despite receiving higher usability ratings, SMS messages were not correlated with physical or mental HRQL. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that older persons at risk for cardiovascular disease find mobile device intervention components acceptable. However, each component affected physical and mental health differently. These findings inform more complete technology acceptance models for older individuals' technology design, education, and deployment. Older persons prefer personalized communication, such as customized text messages, as the most favored aspect of the multi-component mobile device intervention. It warrants a larger clinical trial to determine its efficacy on HRQL.