Use of Mobile Apps and Wearables to Monitor Diet, Weight, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Adults in Poland

BACKGROUND: Mobile health technologies (mHealth) such as mobile applications (mobile apps), and wearables are gaining popularity. Regular monitoring of public attitudes toward the use of mHealth is crucial to effectively implementing mHealth in healthcare. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of use of mobile apps and wearables to monitor diet, weight, and physical activity among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with the willingness to use new technologies for health monitoring. MATERIAL/METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was carried out on a representative sample of 1070 adult inhabitants of Poland, between 1 and 4 July, 2022. A computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique was used. The study questionnaire included 20 closed questions on eating habits, lifestyle, and the use of eHealth mobile apps and wearables. RESULTS: Almost one-quarter of respondents (23.2%) used wearables (a band or a watch) to monitor physical activity and 14.4% had a smart bathroom scale at home. Among adults in Poland, 16.3% used mobile apps to monitor physical activity and 13.3% used mobile apps to control their diet. Out of 19 different socioeconomic and lifestyle factors analyzed in this study, younger age, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and participation in organized sports activities were significantly associated (P<0.05) with the use of mobile apps and wearables. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of socioeconomic barriers to accessing mobile apps and wearables presented in this study suggests that mHealth technology can be used to promote a healthy lifestyle in different socioeconomic groups and can reduce health inequalities.