Keywords

Health behavior change, Pocket computer, Tailored intervention, Usability testing, Web site

 

Authors

  1. RYAN, POLLY PhD, RN, CNS-BC
  2. PUMILIA, NICHOLAS J. MA, BS
  3. HENAK, BRANDON BS
  4. CHANG, TINA BBA

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.