Integrated Health Belief and User Engagement Model for Physical Activity Apps

Physical activity applications support monitoring, motivating, and sustaining healthy behavior, yet long-term engagement remains challenging. This study validates an integrated Health Belief Model and User Engagement Model for explaining behavior change among physical activity application users. Survey data from 423 users were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, followed by a four-week Strava study involving 17 participants and post-usage interviews. The results showed that Healthy Behavior Adoption and Health Technology Engagement significantly influenced behavior change, with technology engagement exerting the stronger effect. Perceived usability and reward factors were the strongest predictors of technology engagement, while self-efficacy and objective barriers were the strongest predictors of healthy behavior adoption. Focused attention and cues to action were not significant. Real-world usage and interview findings supported the model by showing that usability, meaningful feedback, and perceived progress were more influential than continuous attention or repeated reminders in supporting sustained physical activity behavior.

@article{Johari2026,
  title     = {Integrated Health Belief and User Engagement Model for Physical Activity Apps},
  journal   = {International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications},
  volume    = {17},
  number    = {8},
  year      = {2026},
  publisher = {The Science and Information Organization},
  author    = {Nur Farahin Mohd Johari and Nazlena Mohamad Ali and Mohamad Hidir Mhd Salim},
  doi       = {10.14569/IJACSA.2026.0170807},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2026.0170807}
}