scholarly journals A Tool to Measure Young Adults’ Food Intake: Design and Development of an Australian Database of Foods for the Eat and Track Smartphone App (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndal Wellard-Cole ◽  
Melisa Potter ◽  
Jisu (Joseph) Jung ◽  
Juliana Chen ◽  
Judy Kay ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Dietary assessment is reliant on the collection of accurate food and beverage consumption data. Technology has been harnessed to standardize recording and provide automatic nutritional analysis to reduce cost and researcher burden. OBJECTIVE To better assess the diet of young adults, especially relating to the contribution of foods prepared outside the home, a database was needed to support a mobile phone data collection app. The app also required usability testing to assure ease of entry of foods and beverages. This paper describes the development of the Eat and Track app (EaT app) and the database underpinning it. METHODS The Australian Food and Nutrient Database 2011-13, consisting of 5740 food items was modified. Four steps were undertaken: (1) foods not consumed by young adults were removed, (2) nutritionally similar foods were merged, (3) foods available from the 30 largest ready-to-eat food chains in Australia were added, and (4) long generic food names were shortened and simplified. This database was used to underpin the EaT app. Qualitative, iterative usability testing of the EaT app was conducted in three phases using the “Think Aloud” method. Responses were sorted and coded using content analysis. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered to measure the EaT app’s perceived usability. RESULTS In total, 1694 (29.51%) foods were removed from the Australian Food and Nutrient Database, including 608 (35.89%) ingredients, 81 (4.78%) foods already captured in the fast food chain information, 52 (3.07%) indigenous foods, 25 (1.48%) nutrients/dietary supplements, and 16 (0.94%) child-specific foods. The remaining 912 (53.84%) foods removed were not consumed by young adults in previous surveys or were “not defined” in the Australian Food and Nutrient Database. Another 220 (3.83%) nutritionally similar foods were combined. The final database consisted of 6274 foods. Fifteen participants completed usability testing. Issues identified by participants fell under six themes: keywords for searching, history list of entered foods, amounts and units, the keypad, food names, and search function. Suggestions for improvement were collected, incorporated, and tested in each iteration of the app. The SUS of the final version of the EaT app was rated 69. CONCLUSIONS A food and beverage database has been developed to underpin the EaT app, enabling data collection on the eating-out habits of 18- to 30-year-old Australians. The development process has resulted in a database with commonly used food names, extensive coverage of foods from ready-to-eat chains, and commonly eaten portion sizes. Feedback from app usability testing led to enhanced keyword searching and the addition of functions to enhance usability such as adding brief instructional screens. There is potential for the features of the EaT app to facilitate the collection of more accurate dietary intake data. The database and the app will be valuable dietary assessment resources for researchers.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cabella Lowe ◽  
Harry Hanuman-Sing ◽  
Mitchell Browne ◽  
Meshari F. Alwashmi ◽  
William Marsh ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal conditions account for 16% of global disability, resulting in a negative effect on millions of patients and an increasing burden on healthcare utilization. Digital technologies to improve health care outcomes and efficiency are considered a priority; however, innovations are often inadequately developed and poorly adopted. Further, they are rarely tested with sufficient rigor in clinical trials, the gold standard for clinical proof of efficacy. We have developed a new musculoskeletal Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART) that allows users to self-assess and be directed to the right care. DART requires usability testing in preparation for clinical trials. OBJECTIVE This study will use the iterative-convergent mixed methods design to assess and mitigate all serious usability issues to optimize user experience and adoption. This will provide justifiable confidence to progress to full-scale randomized controlled trials when DART is integrated into clinical management pathways. METHODS We will collect qualitative and quantitative data from between 20-30 participants aged 18 and over four months. The exact number of participants recruited will be dependent on the number of iterative cycles required to reach the study end points. Building on previous internal testing and stakeholder involvement, quantitative data collection is defined by the constructs within the ISO 9241-210-2019 Standard and the System Usability Scale (SUS), providing a benchmark usability score for DART. Guided by the participant responses to quantitative questioning, the researcher will focus the qualitative data collection on specific usability problems. These will then be graded to provide the rationale for further DART system improvements throughout the iterative cycles. RESULTS This study received approval from Queen Mary University of London Ethics of Research Committee (QMREC2018/48/048) in June 2020. At manuscript submission, the first round of individual interviews has been completed, with data collection to be completed and results published in 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide evidence concerning mHealth DART system usability and acceptance determining system improvements required to support user adoption and minimize sub-optimal system usability as a potential confounder within subsequent non-inferiority clinical trials. This deliberately rigorous approach to mHealth innovation could be used as a guide for other developers of similar applications. Success should produce a safe, effective system with excellent usability, facilitating quicker and easier patient access to appropriate care while reducing the burden on primary and secondary care musculoskeletal services.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siena Gioia ◽  
Irma M Vlassac ◽  
Demsina Babazadeh ◽  
Noah L Fryou ◽  
Elizabeth Do ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED Abstract: Over the last decade, health apps have become an increasingly popular tool utilized by clinicians and researchers to track food consumption and exercise. However, as consumer apps have primarily focused on tracking dietary intake and exercise, many lack technological features to facilitate the capture of critical food timing details. To determine a viable app that recorded both dietary intake and food timing for use in our clinical study, we evaluated the timestamp data, usability, privacy policies, accuracy of nutrient estimates, and general features of 11 mobile apps for dietary assessment. Apps were selected using a keyword search of related terms and the following apps were reviewed: Bitesnap, Cronometer, DiaryNutrition, DietDiary, FoodDiary, FoodView, Macros, MealLogger, myCircadianClock, MyFitnessPal, and MyPlate. Our primary goal was identifying apps that record food timestamps, which 8 of the reviewed apps did (73%). Of those, only 4/11 (36%) allowed users to edit the timestamps, an important feature. Next, we sought to evaluate the usability of the apps, using the System Usability Scale (SUS) across 2 days, with 82% of the apps receiving favorable scores for usability (9/11 apps). To enable use in research and clinic settings, the privacy policies of each app were systematically reviewed using common criteria with 1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant app (Cronometer). Furthermore, protected health information is collected by 9/11 (81%) of the apps. Lastly, to assess the accuracy of nutrient estimates generated by these apps, we selected 4 sample food items and one researcher’s 3-day dietary record to input into each app. The caloric and macronutrient estimates of the apps were compared to nutrient estimates provided by a registered dietitian using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Compared to the 3-day food record, the apps were found to consistently underestimate calories and macronutrients compared to NDSR. Overall, we find the Bitesnap app to provide flexible dietary and food timing functionality capable for research or clinical use with the majority of apps lacking in necessary food timing functionality or user privacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Veni Manik ◽  
Clara Hetty Primasari ◽  
Yohanes Priadi Wibisono ◽  
Aloysius Bagas Pradipta Irianto

Perusahaan pembiayaan kendaraan mobil saat ini semakin banyak dan berkembang begitu pesat. Setiap perusahaan berusaha untuk menarik perhatian pelanggan dengan berbagai cara, terutama peningkatan teknologi untuk mendukung dan memudahkan proses kegiatan pembiayaan mobil. Perusahaan Astra Credit Company memanfaatkan teknologi dengan menyediakan aplikasi mobile acc.one yang dapat digunakan oleh pelanggan untuk membantu segala kegiatan proses pembiayaan mobil di Perusahaan ACC. Namun aplikasi ini terdapat beberapa masalah yang dapat diketahui dari ulasan pengguna di play store seperti aplikasi tiba-tiba error, aplikasi tidak dapat dibuka, fitur tidak berfungsi dengan semestinya, dll. Sehingga dilakukan pengujian aplikasi untuk mengetahui tingkat usability aplikasi dengan menggunakan metode system usability scale dan usability testing untuk mengetahui pengalaman pengguna. Hasil yang diperoleh tingkat usability aplikasi dengan tingkat kemudahan sebesar 73,33% yang masuk dalam kategori buruk, tingkat kecepatan pengguna sebesar 0,0467 goals/sec yang termasuk kategori normal, tingkat kesalahan pengguna sebesar 0,1230 total defect yang masuk dalam kategori kecil, dan tingkat kepuasan pengguna menggunakan kuesioner SUS memperoleh rerata SUS sebesar 54,45945946 yang artinya tingkat kepuasan pengguna rendah terhadap aplikasi berdasarkan penentuan nilai SUS yaitu Acceptability atau tingkat penerimaan penggunaan masuk dalam kategori marginal low, Grade Scale atau tingkat grade skala masuk dalam kategori F dan Adjective Rating masuk dalam kategori OK. Selain itu, pada SUS skor percentile rank masuk kedalam grade D.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cabella Lowe ◽  
Harry Hanuman Sing ◽  
William Marsh ◽  
Dylan Morrissey

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal conditions account for 16% of global disability, resulting in a negative effect on millions of patients and an increasing burden on healthcare utilization. Digital technologies to improve health care outcomes and efficiency are considered a priority; however, innovations are rarely tested with sufficient rigor in clinical trials, the gold standard for clinical proof of safety and efficacy. We have developed a new musculoskeletal Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART) that allows users to self-assess and be directed to the right care. DART requires validation in a real-world setting prior to implementation. OBJECTIVE This pilot study will assess the feasibility of a future trial by exploring key aspects of trial methodology, assess the procedures and collect exploratory data to inform the design of a definitive, randomized, crossover, non-inferiority trial to assess DART safety and effectiveness. METHODS We will collect data from 76 adult participants presenting to an NHS England GP practice with a musculoskeletal condition. Participants will complete both a DART assessment and a physiotherapist-led triage with the order determined by randomization. The primary analysis will involve an absolute agreement ICC (A,1) estimate with 95% confidence intervals between DART and the clinician for assessment outcomes sign-posting to condition management pathways. Data will be collected to allow analysis of participant recruitment and retention, randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, data collection process and bias. In addition, the impact of trial burden and potential barriers to intervention delivery will be considered. DART user satisfaction will be measured using the System Usability Scale. RESULTS A UK NHS ethics submission will be submitted during June 2021 and pending approval, recruitment will commence during August 2021 with data collection anticipated to last for 3 months. Results will be reported in a follow-up paper later in 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study will inform the design of a randomized controlled crossover non-inferiority study that will provide evidence concerning mHealth DART system clinical sign posting in an NHS setting prior to real-world implementation. Success should produce evidence of a safe, effective system with excellent usability, facilitating quicker and easier patient access to appropriate care while reducing the burden on primary and secondary care musculoskeletal services. This rigorous approach to mHealth system testing could be used as a guide for other developers of similar applications. CLINICALTRIAL This trial is registered with Clinical Trials number NCT04904029


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gertner ◽  
Alex K. Gertner ◽  
Denizar Vianna Araujo ◽  
Luciana Bahia ◽  
Isabel Bouzas

In recent decades, obesity has become a critical global health issue. Experts and laypeople alike attribute high obesity rates to lifestyle choices involving diet and exercise. Following decades of increasing portion sizes and decreasing nutritional value, the food and beverage and fast-food industries have felt intense pressure to answer to new consumer priorities and what some see as their role in fueling the obesity epidemic. This article examines marketing and pricing practices implemented by some of the most popular food and beverage and fast-food industry players in the U.S. market that are involved in this response. Although marketers claim they are offering healthier choices and supporting the fight against obesity, our analysis reveals common industry strategies, including value pricing, psychological pricing, quantity discounts, and combo deals that undermine healthy food choices. We argue that in order to truly encourage healthy eating, these industries must revise not only their products but also their fundamental approach to creating customer value. It is also imperative that consumers, legislators, and the media be informed about deceitful strategies used pervasively by food and beverage manufacturers and fast-food restaurant chains that ultimately aggravate the obesity epidemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-426
Author(s):  
Susan Dian Purnamasari ◽  
Firamon Syakti

One of the products of information technology that is common today is the school website. Where the school website is the spearhead for schools in disseminating information to related parties. The most important aspect of a website is the usability aspect because it greatly affects visitor convenience. The use of the website for disseminating information is also used by SMK Negeri Sumsel and the school's main portal on the internet. For that to see the importance of the usability aspect, this study aims to see the level of usability of the SMK Negeri Sumsel website. In measuring the level of usability, usability testing techniques are used with the stages of preparation, selecting respondents, data collection and data analysis. The test results show that the usability aspects on the website such as errors, learnability, memorability and satisfaction get good ratings while the efficiency aspects are not categorized as good.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
Ni Wayan Marti ◽  
Kadek Surya Mahedy

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan usability testing terhadap Sistem Informasi Kontrol Mutu dan Pengelolaan Tugas Akhir Mahasiswa di Program Studi Manajemen Informatika (SIKTA). SIKTA merupakan sistem informasi yang digunakan untuk melakukan kontrol terhadap proses penyelesaian Tugas Akhir Mahasiswa. SIKTA adalah aplikasi yang digunakan secara internal di Program Studi Manajemen Informatika. Metode yang digunakan untuk melakukan usability testing terhadap SIKTA adalah ISO 9241-11. ISO 9241-11 merupakan uji usability untuk mengukur tingkat efektivitas, efisiensi dan kepuasan pengguna. Tingkat efektivitas dan efisiensi diukur dengan pemberian tugas-tugas kepada responden, sedangkan untuk mengukur kepuasan pengguna digunakan kuisioner dari System Usability Scale (SUS).  Dari hasil uji diperoleh masing-masing yaitu uji keefektifan sebesar 92%, uji keefisienan memperoleh 88% dan kepuasan pengguna menggunakan SUS memperoleh angka 76,5. Dari uji tersebut, dapat dikatakan bahwa SIKTA merupakan sistem yang efektif, efisien dari sisi mahasiswa sebagai penggunanya. Dan angka 76,5 menyatakan bahwa pengguna puas dalam menggunakan SIKTA.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa McCann ◽  
Kathryn A McMillan ◽  
Christopher Hewitt

BACKGROUND A diagnosis of cancer in young adulthood can pose many different and unique challenges for individuals. The provision of adequate and appropriate information as well as care and support for teenagers and young adults at the time of diagnosis is central to their health care experience going forward. Moreover, appropriate and accessible information provision is critical to ensure that young individuals with cancer feel equipped and empowered to make decisions about, and be involved in, their treatment and recovery throughout their experience; this is a concept known as prehabilitation. As digital interventions and resources that support teenagers and young adults with cancer are an increasingly desirable part of health care provision, this study will focus on the development of an age- and population-appropriate electronic prehabilitation (e-Prehabilitation) system of care. OBJECTIVE We will conduct an exploratory, co-design research project that will inform the development of an e-Prehabilitation system of care to support teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. A collaborative approach to data collection and prototype design will ensure that a patient-centered approach is embedded throughout. METHODS A qualitative, co-design study utilizing surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions is being conducted with teenagers and young adults, health care professionals, and technologists. RESULTS This research study is in progress; recruitment and data collection activities have commenced and findings are expected in early 2019. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study will have important implications for informing the future development and evaluation of an e-Prehabilitation system of care to support teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/10287


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-308
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomson ◽  
Alicia S. Landry ◽  
Tameka I. Walls ◽  
Melissa H. Goodman

Objectives: In this study, we tested for moderation by neighborhood food outlet presence on relationships between food outlet shopping or meal sources and dietary intake. Methods: We used generalized linear models to analyze parent-adolescent (12-17 years) dyad data from the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating. Questions included food outlet presence in home (parent) and school (adolescent) neighborhoods (yes or no), shopping at food outlets (parent) (never, rarely, sometimes, often or always), and sources of food consumed away from and at home (weekly frequency). We captured food and beverage intakes via a dietary screener. Results: Relationships between adolescent added sugar intake and scratch cooked evening meals and meals away from home were found only when grocery stores and fast food restaurants, respectively, were present in adolescents' school neighborhoods. Shopping at fruit and vegetable (FV) markets and scratch cooked evening meals were associated with the largest increases in parent and adolescent FV intakes, respectively. Meals away from home at convenience stores were associated with the largest increases in parent and adolescent intakes of added sugars. Conclusions: Neighborhood grocery store and fast food restaurant presence moderated relationships between meal sources and dietary intake only in adolescents.


Author(s):  
William J. Gibbs ◽  
Joseph E. McKendrick

News providers today offer interactive sources that engage people, enable them to build community, and to participate in the news. At the same time, the digital interfaces through which people access the news are continuingly evolving, diverse, and oftentimes visually complex. How these factors shape human information seeking in news-oriented virtual communities is a relatively new area of study and therefore greater understanding of their influence on human behavior is of much practical value. In this chapter, the authors explore trends and developments in news-oriented virtual communities. They review several data collection and analysis techniques such as content analysis, usability testing and eye-tracking and propose that these techniques and associated tools can aid the study of news communities. They examine the implications these techniques have for better understanding human behavior in virtual communities as well as for improving the design of these environments.


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