Development of a mobile app for personalized dietary counseling and nutrient tracking

Thesis Abstract

The increasing prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases underscores the urgent need for personalized dietary interventions that are accessible and sustainable through technological solutions. Despite the proliferation of health and nutrition mobile applications, many lack the customization capabilities necessary to effectively address individual nutritional needs, behavioral patterns, and cultural preferences. This study aims to develop and evaluate a mobile application designed to provide personalized dietary counseling and comprehensive nutrient tracking, thereby enhancing dietary adherence and improving nutritional outcomes among diverse adult populations. The specific objectives include designing the app with features that facilitate personalized meal recommendations, real-time nutrient monitoring, and behavioral feedback; assessing user acceptability and engagement; and evaluating the impact of app utilization on dietary habits over a six-month period. To achieve these objectives, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The study population comprises 300 adults aged 18-65 years drawn from urban communities, stratified to ensure representation across gender, age, and socioeconomic status. A stratified random sampling technique is employed to select participants, with an initial pilot test involving 30 users to refine the application interface and functionality. Quantitative data are collected through structured questionnaires assessing dietary intake, app usability, and user satisfaction, complemented by app-generated data on nutrient intake and behavioral metrics. Qualitative data are obtained via semi-structured interviews exploring participant perceptions, barriers to use, and suggestions for improvement. The validity and reliability of survey instruments are ensured through pre-testing, Cronbach's alpha analysis, and expert review. NutriSurvey, a validated dietary assessment tool, is adapted for correlating self-reported data with app-recorded dietary intake. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to profile users, paired t-tests to examine changes in dietary patterns pre- and post-intervention, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of app engagement and dietary improvement. Thematic analysis is employed to interpret qualitative interview transcripts, deriving insights into user experiences and contextual factors influencing app adoption. Expected findings suggest that the personalized app will significantly improve users’ dietary quality, evidenced by increased intake of recommended nutrients and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods. Higher user engagement is anticipated among individuals with greater digital literacy, supported by regression analysis identifying key demographic and behavioral predictors. The thematic analysis is expected to reveal themes around usability, behavioral motivation, cultural relevance, and perceived barriers, informing iterative app design enhancements. The study aims to contribute both theoretically and practically to the fields of human nutrition, dietetics, and health informatics. It advances understanding of how ICT-enabled personalized counseling can influence dietary behaviors and addresses gaps related to usability, cultural adaptation, and behavioral integration in digital nutrition interventions. The findings will extend existing literature by offering evidence-based insights into the effectiveness, acceptability, and challenges of mobile health solutions for dietary management. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the potential of mobile technology to deliver scalable, tailored nutrition guidance that complements traditional counseling. It recommends broader integration of tailored mobile applications into public health strategies, emphasizing the need for continued refinement based on user feedback and technological advancements. Future research should explore longitudinal effects, integration with wearable devices, and scalability across diverse populations to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of digital nutritional interventions.