title: Development and performance usability testing of a theory-based, computerized, tailored intervention.
abstract: Technology offers innovative and promising methods of delivering health messages to provide knowledge and potentially facilitate improved health behaviors. Theory was foundational to the development of a new intervention using a tailored Web site and a handheld computer. A performance usability study was conducted to determine if women could use this newly developed intervention delivered via a Web site and pocket computer accurately and in a timely manner in real-world settings. A convenience sample of 15 women between 35 and 55 years of age were observed as they used "Complete a Task" and "Talk Aloud" performance usability methods. Results identified several problems affecting the ability of participants to use the Web site and handheld computer.
authors.affiliation: Froedtert Hospital, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, PO Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. ryanpa@uwm.edu
authors.forename: Polly
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Pumilia
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Henak
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014584:User-Computer Interface