Engagement, compliance and retention with a gamified online social networking physical activity intervention

• DOI: 10.1007/s13142-017-0499-8
• Publication Date: 2017-05-18T18:39:57Z
• Authors: Jillian Ryan; Sarah Edney; Carol Maher
• Keywords: Health psychology; User Engagement; Student Engagement; Public Engagement

Health behaviour interventions delivered via online social networks are an increasingly popular approach to addressing lifestyle-related health problems. However, research date consistently reports poor user engagement and retention. The current study examined engagement, compliance retention with Active Team—a gamified physical activity intervention by Facebook application. Associations between participant (n = 51) demographic team characteristics (sex, age, education size) were examined, as well temporal trends in during the 50-day intervention. Analyses revealed significant associations both (p <0.001) gamification 0.04) education, participants middle category appearing have highest rates of use features. Gender was also related males demonstrating intervention's features 0.004). Although high for duration, declined steadily throughout Engagement peaked on Wednesdays, coinciding delivery a customised email reminder. Findings reveal individual differences Team, highlighting need tailor target audience. Gamification may enhance amongst males, who traditionally recognised difficult group engage. Finally, customised, periodic push reminders drawing them back helping sustain behaviours.