A Preliminary Evaluation of Mobile Phone Apps to Curb Alcohol Consumption

Omar Mubin, Billy Cai, Abdullah Al Mahmud, Isha Kharub, Michael Lwin and Aila Khan
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Omar Mubin: School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2751, Australia
Billy Cai: School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2751, Australia
Abdullah Al Mahmud: Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3130, Australia
Isha Kharub: School of Business, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2751, Australia
Michael Lwin: School of Business, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2751, Australia
Aila Khan: School of Business, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2751, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Mobile apps have become increasingly prevalent in modern society, and persuasive technology has a broader market than ever. Mobile-based alcohol cessation apps can promote positive behaviour change in users and improve the overall health of our society. This research aimed to understand the various features users respond to and make design recommendations for alcohol cessation apps. This paper reports on three sources of feedback (user ratings, user reviews, MARS App Quality score) provided on 20 alcohol cessation apps in the Google Play Store. Our findings suggest that self-control type apps received much greater positive user reviews than motivational apps. In addition, this trend was not observed through numeric user ratings. We also speculate on design recommendations for apps that are meant to inhibit alcohol intake.

Keywords: mobile app; user needs; persuasive design; Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS); alcohol cessation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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