Developing a Mobile App to Promote Physical Activity Among University Students

Thesis Abstract

The rising prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among university students poses significant health challenges, including increased risks of chronic diseases and mental health issues, thereby necessitating innovative strategies to promote physical activity within this demographic. Despite widespread recognition of the benefits of regular exercise, engagement levels remain suboptimal among tertiary education populations, partly due to limited motivation and lack of accessible, tailored intervention tools. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a mobile application designed specifically to encourage and sustain physical activity among university students. The primary objectives include identifying barriers to physical activity in this cohort, designing an engaging and user-centered mobile app based on behavioral change theories, and assessing its effectiveness in increasing physical activity levels. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates an initial qualitative phase to explore students’ perceptions, motivations, and barriers related to physical activity, followed by a quantitative phase to evaluate the app’s impact. The qualitative component utilizes thematic analysis of focus group discussions involving 30 students selected through purposive sampling to inform app features and user interface design. Subsequently, a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design is employed with a sample of 200 university students randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which receives access to the mobile app, or a control group, which does not. Data collection instruments include validated questionnaires measuring physical activity levels (e.g., International Physical Activity Questionnaire), motivation scales (e.g., Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire), and user satisfaction surveys. The app’s development is guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory to incorporate elements such as self-monitoring, goal setting, social support features, and intrinsic motivation enhancement. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to profile participants, paired t-tests and ANCOVA to compare pre- and post-intervention activity levels, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of physical activity changes. Thematic analysis of qualitative feedback will further elucidate user experiences and app usability. It is anticipated that findings will demonstrate a statistically significant increase in physical activity levels among students using the app compared to controls, with enhanced motivation and self-efficacy reported in the intervention group. Additionally, user satisfaction is expected to correlate positively with increased engagement and sustained app usage. This study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of a behaviorally informed mobile intervention tailored for university students, filling gaps identified in prior research regarding digital health promotion tools in academic settings. The integration of theories into app design offers a model for future development of health promotion apps targeting similar populations. Moreover, the research advances understanding of technology-driven strategies to overcome motivational barriers and facilitate sustained physical activity. The main conclusion emphasizes that mobile applications, when grounded in behavioral theory and developed with user-centered principles, can significantly elevate physical activity levels among university students. Recommendations include adopting such apps as part of broader health promotion programs within higher education institutions, integrating ongoing user feedback for continuous improvement, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term behavioral maintenance. Future research should explore scalability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptation of the app for diverse cultural contexts to maximize its impact across various student populations worldwide.