Evaluating the User Experience of a Smartphone-Delivered Sexual Health Promotion Program for Older Adults in the Netherlands: Single-Arm Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundSexual health is an important component of quality of life in older adults. However, older adults often face barriers to attaining a fulfilling sexual life because of issues such as stigma, lack of information, or difficult access to adequate support. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the user experience of a self-guided, smartphone-delivered program to promote sexual health among older adults. MethodsThe mobile app was made available to community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands, who freely used the app for 8 weeks. User experience and its respective components were assessed using self-developed questionnaires, the System Usability Scale, and semistructured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were descriptively and thematically analyzed, respectively. ResultsIn total, 15 participants (mean age 71.7, SD 9.5 years) completed the trial. Participants showed a neutral to positive stance regarding the mobile app’s usefulness and ease of use. Usability was assessed as “Ok/Fair.” The participants felt confident about using the mobile app. To increase user experience, participants offered suggestions to improve content and interaction, including access to specialized sexual health services. ConclusionsThe sexual health promotion program delivered through a smartphone in a self-guided mode was usable. Participants’ perception is that improvements to user experience, namely in content and interaction, as well as connection to external services, will likely improve usefulness and acceptance.