The Intensity Use of mHealth Apps and its Relation to Nutrition Knowledge, Healthy Eating Self-Efficacy, and Positive Body Image

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v19i06.38533

Keywords:

Mobile application, Nutrition Knowledge, Health, Body Image, health eating self-efficacy, mHealth

Abstract


Abstract—In terms of mobile apps, mHealth technology might enhance public health. However, despite the development of hundreds of health-related mobile applications, few studies have studied their relationship to psychological constructs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the intensity of mHealth app use and nutrition knowledge, healthy-eating self-efficacy, and positive body image among Jordanian students and to measure their levels. In the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023, a structured, self-administered web-based questionnaire containing valid and reliable measures (i.e., positive body image scale, healthy eating self-efficacy, general nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and the adopted intensity use of mHealth apps scale) was administered to 414 undergraduates. The findings reported that their usage of mHealth-related mobile applications was low, as they had inadequate nutrition knowledge, low healthy-eating self-efficacy, and a moderate positive body image. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation between the degree of usage of health-related mobile applications and nutrition knowledge, healthy eating self-efficacy, and positive body image (p<0.01). These findings underscore the need to promote healthy eating self-efficacy and positive body image among students and to improve their nutrition knowledge. In addition, these results advise decision-makers to encourage students to include mHealth applications in their daily routines to benefit their health.

Author Biography

Aseel O. Ajlouni, Al-Ahliyya Amman University

Aseel O. Ajlouni is an assistant professor of Educational Technology in the department of curriculum and instruction at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. She earned her PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Jordan, Jordan in 2020. She has published several research papers on integrating technology in the classroom, online teaching and learning.

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Published

2023-05-16

How to Cite

Ajlouni, A. O., Wahba, F. A.-A., & Almahaireh, A. S. (2023). The Intensity Use of mHealth Apps and its Relation to Nutrition Knowledge, Healthy Eating Self-Efficacy, and Positive Body Image. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 19(06), pp. 158–176. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v19i06.38533

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Papers