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Exploring families' acceptance of wearable activity trackers: A mixed-methods study

Creaser, A.V.
; 
Hall, J.
; 
Costa, S.
; ; 
Clemes, S.A.
Publication Date
End of Embargo
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Keywords
Fitbit, Pillar integration process, Technology acceptance model, Theoretical domains framework, Feasibility
Rights
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2022-03-12
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Health Studies Publications
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Abstract
The family environment plays a crucial role in child physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (wearables) show potential for increasing children's PA; however, few studies have explored families' acceptance of wearables. This study investigated the acceptability of using wearables in a family setting, aligning experiences with components of the Technology Acceptance Model and Theoretical Domains Framework. Twenty-four families, with children aged 5-9 years, took part in a 5-week study, where all members were provided with a Fitbit Alta HR for 4 weeks. Acceptability was measured using weekly surveys and pre-post-questionnaires. Nineteen families participated in a focus group. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated using the Pillar Integration Process technique. Pillars reflected (1) external variables impacting wearable use and PA and (2) wearable use, (3) ease of use, (4) usefulness for increasing PA and other health outcomes, (5) attitudes, and (6) intention to use a wearable, including future intervention suggestions. Families found the Fitbit easy to use and acceptable, but use varied, and perceived impact on PA were mixed, with external variables contributing towards this. This study provides insights into how wearables may be integrated into family-based PA interventions and highlights barriers and facilitators of family wearable use.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10454/19349
Version
Published version
Citation
Creaser AV, Hall J, Costa S et al (2022) Exploring families' acceptance of wearable activity trackers: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(6): 3472.
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Link to Version of Record
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063472
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Article
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