Developing a Mobile App to Promote Physical Activity Among University Students

Thesis Abstract

Given the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among university students, particularly in the digital age, this study addresses the critical need to promote regular physical activity within this population through innovative technological solutions. Despite widespread awareness of the health benefits associated with physical activity, university students often demonstrate low engagement levels due to time constraints, lack of motivation, and limited access to tailored interventions. This research aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a mobile application designed to motivate, monitor, and facilitate increased physical activity among university students. The specific objectives include identifying behavioral determinants influencing physical activity in students, designing an interactive app based on established health behavior theories, assessing the app’s usability and engagement levels, and evaluating its effectiveness in changing physical activity patterns over a three-month intervention period. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to comprehensively assess the app’s impact and user experience. The quantitative component involves a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, with a sample of 200 students recruited via stratified random sampling from a metropolitan university. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group using the mobile app or a control group receiving standard health information. Quantitative data are collected through validated self-report questionnaires, such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and objective measurements using wearable activity trackers over the course of the study. Qualitative data are gathered through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 30 participants from the intervention group to explore user perceptions, app usability, and motivational factors. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and ANCOVA to evaluate changes in physical activity levels, while thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data to identify emergent themes related to user experience and behavioral change. The theoretical framework underpinning the app development draws from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which inform the features of personalized feedback, goal-setting, social support, and intrinsic motivation mechanisms embedded within the app. It is anticipated that the intervention will result in statistically significant increases in both self-reported and objectively measured physical activity levels among app users compared to controls, with qualitative findings highlighting increased motivation, engagement, and perceived behavioral control as key facilitators of change. This study significantly contributes to the body of knowledge by providing evidence-based insights into mobile health interventions tailored for university populations, demonstrating the potential of technology-driven solutions to address behavioral health challenges. Furthermore, it elucidates the interplay between technological features, behavioral theories, and user engagement, offering a framework for future development of health promotion apps. The main conclusion indicates that a theory-based, user-centered mobile application can effectively promote physical activity among university students, with sustained behavior change dependent on personalized and interactive features. Recommendations include integrating such apps into broader campus health promotion programs, designing for diverse student needs, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term adherence and health outcomes. Future research directions suggest expanding app functionalities, exploring gamification strategies, and examining scalability across different educational contexts and populations.