BACKGROUND
Usage and experiences with mHealth osteoporosis apps are underexplored.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to investigate the eHealth literacy of Danish patients with osteoporosis, as well as the usability and acceptability of the app 'My Bones.' Additionally, the current level of disease knowledge was assessed.
METHODS
In this prospective survey study, 100 patients with osteoporosis downloaded the app 'My Bones.' Data on patient characteristics, disease knowledge, eHealth literacy, usability, and acceptability were collected using three self-administered questionnaires at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months.
RESULTS
Mean scores reported for eHealth literacy ranged from 2.6 to 3.1, with standard deviations ranging from ±0.5 to ±0.6 across the seven domains. The mean score of The System Usability Scale (SUS) was 74.7 (±14.4), and the mean scores for domains 1, 2, and 6 of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) were 3.4 (±1.2), 4.5 (±1.1), and 4.1 (±1.2), respectively. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were not aware of their own T-score.
CONCLUSIONS
Danish patients with osteoporosis are both motivated and capable of using digital health services. The app's usability was found to be acceptable, and it has the potential to reduce visits to general practitioner clinics, enhance health outcomes, and serve as a valuable addition to regular health or social care services.