Effectiveness of Gerontechnology Empowerment Program on Awareness and Use of Mobile Apps Among Older Adults for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) are crucial for older adults to live independently. Health care and technological advancements will increase the older adult population and life expectancy globally. Difficulties with iADLs impact older adults’ quality of life. Mobile apps can assist older adults, but many require help due to limited awareness. Lack of awareness is a barrier to app use. Existing literature mainly covers health care and app design, needing more focus on iADL apps for older adults. Objective The study objectives encompass 2 main aspects: first, to evaluate the awareness, use, and factors influencing the use of apps among older adults for iADLs; and second, to create and assess the effectiveness of a gerontechnology empowerment program (GEP) for older adults on the awareness and use of apps for iADLs. Methods This research uses a quantitative approach divided into 2 distinct phases. In phase 1, we conduct a descriptive survey to assess the level of awareness and use of mobile apps for iADLs and identify the factors that influence the use of such apps among older adults. To ensure clarity and comprehension among participants, we provide them with a subject information sheet in both Kannada and English. The data collected during this phase enable us to gain insights into awareness levels, use patterns, and factors that shape older adults’ use of apps for iADLs. The results serve as the foundation for designing the GEP. In phase 2, a cluster randomization method will be used to select older adults aged 60 to 75 years in Udupi district, Karnataka, India, who are active smartphone users. These participants will be divided into 2 groups: the experimental and the control groups. The experimental group will join the GEP. The sample size for phase 1 is 554, and phase 2 is 50. To assess the effectiveness of this program, we will measure the outcomes before and after its implementation using the same assessment tools used in phase 1. Results This study is funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (Adhoc/193/2022/SBHSR on November 18, 2022). Phase 1 data collection is expected to be completed by November 2023, and phase 2 is scheduled to commence in the upcoming months. Phase 1 and 2 findings will be analyzed and discussed in the main paper, which we intend to submit to a high-quality peer-reviewed journal for publication. The research protocol, informed consent forms, and associated documentation received approval from institutional ethics committees (214/2020). Conclusions Upon the successful testing of the GEP, it can be recommended that welfare departments encourage older adults to use mobile apps for iADLs and establish training programs to provide support to older adults in using these apps. Trial Registration Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2020/09/027977; https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=NDUxMzM=&Enc=&userName=027977 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/53587