The most common health-related apps are lifestyle apps, i.e., fitness, nutrition,
diet, and meditation apps, which account for half of all m-health apps on the market.
Mobile app-based interventions have been shown to be effective in improving diet-related
health outcomes. The aim of this study is to map the usage patterns of lifestyle apps
(fitness, diet, and relaxation apps) and identify the role of each factor in the usability
of MAUQ (m-Health App Usability Questionnaire) factor - ease of use, interface satisfaction,
and usefulness - in overall satisfaction. Data were collected through an online survey
in Hungary with 348 users of various lifestyle applications, i.e., fitness (30.2%),
nutrition (31.3%), and mindfulness (38.5%) apps. Respondents showed a preference for
free apps over paid ones and predominantly used iOS operating systems. The partial
least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method was used to identify
the role of usability dimensions in overall satisfaction. The satisfaction of lifestyle
app users is positively influenced by ‘Ease of Use’ and ‘Interface and Satisfaction’.
However, effectiveness (positive physical and mental health outcomes) negatively influences
satisfaction. Research can be particularly useful for app developers, as usability
and design (features) play a particularly important role in satisfaction, so these
are primary considerations in development.
