Factors associated with long-term wearable physical activity monitor user engagement

Wearable physical activity monitors (PAMs) have potential to positively influence physical activity. However, high rates of disengagement have been reported, which dampens enthusiasm, as these devices are unlikely to impact habitual physical activity if they are not worn for a sustained period of time. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic and device-use characteristics (e.g., data sharing) associated with sustained device engagement. Current PAM users (n = 418; mean age: 35.0 +/- 12.5; 78% female) from across the USA were recruited online and completed a baseline web-based survey in 2015-2016 comprising questions about demographics and device use. Participants were followed-up again in 2017, at which time they reported whether or not they still used a PAM. Sustained PAM engagement was defined as those who continued use at follow-up. The median follow-up time was 15.5 (+/- 3.7) months. In fully adjusted models, the following were significantly associated with long-term engagement: age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.05, p =.014), Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.20-11.26, p =.023), running as a preferred exercise (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.02-3.24, p =.043), wanting to monitor health variables as a reason for choosing to use a PAM (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.02-2.92, p =.042), and sharing data from the PAM publicly on social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter; OR: 5.11; 95% CI: 1.64-15.93, p =.005). A number of sociodemographic and use characteristics were associated with sustained device use over a median follow-up of 1.3 years. One modifiable factor that may lead to longer device engagement is encouraging users to share data publicly.

Automated summary

This study identified that age, Hispanic ethnicity, running as a preferred exercise, monitoring health variables, and sharing data publicly on social media were significantly associated with sustained engagement with wearable physical activity monitors.