A Novel Inexpensive Use of Smartphone Technology for Ecological Momentary Assessment in Middle-Aged Women.
BACKGROUND
Commercially available mobile and Internet technologies present a promising opportunity to feasibly conduct ecological momentary assessment (EMA). The purpose of this study was to describe a novel EMA protocol administered on middle-aged women's smartphones via text messaging and mobile Internet.


METHODS
Women (N = 9; mean age = 46.2 ± 8.2 y) received 35 text message prompts to a mobile survey assessing activity, self-worth, and self-efficacy over 14 days. Prompts were scheduled and surveys were administered using commercial, Internet-based programs. Prompting was tailored to each woman's daily wake/sleep schedule. Women concurrently wore a wrist-worn accelerometer. Feasibility was assessed via survey completion, accelerometer wear, participant feedback, and researcher notes.


RESULTS
Of 315 prompted surveys, 287 responses were valid (91.1%). Average completion time was 1.52 ± 1.03 minutes. One participant's activity data were excluded due to accelerometer malfunction, resulting in complete data from 8 participants (n = 252 [80.0%] valid observations). Women reported the survey was easily and quickly read/completed. However, most thought the accelerometer was inconvenient.


CONCLUSIONS
High completion rates and perceived usability suggest capitalizing on widely available technology and tailoring prompting schedules may optimize EMA in middle-aged women. However, researchers may need to carefully select objective monitors to maintain data validity while limiting participant burden.
School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ.
Diane K
DK
Ehlers
Jennifer
J
Huberty
Matthew
M
Buman
Steven
S
Hooker
Michael
M
Todd
Gert-Jan
GJ
de Vreede
D061725:Accelerometry; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications; D000068997:Smartphone; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging