OBJECTIVES:

The field testing of a health score module (health index) via a national mHealth application provides a platform for the population to contribute information on their health status. The tool aims to promote health-seeking behavior and guide policymakers to improve health outcomes through population segmentation for targeted interventions. A preliminary national exercise was conducted to obtain behavioral insights in completing self-reported questionnaires using the tool and yielded an initial indicator of population health status.

METHODS:

1,200 active users on a national mHealth application were randomly selected according to age, gender, and history of type 2 diabetes at a 1:1 ratio. Participants were sent periodic nudges to interact with the module. A personalized health score was generated based on patient reported outcomes from 5 sets of questionnaires. User behavior and subsequent health score results were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Preliminary results showed that 13% of targeted users completed the questionnaires within 1 month. Nudges were most effective on weekends and after 6pm. Uptake in those aged 60 years and above was slow, while users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were more likely to participate. 85% of all participants were in the ‘At Risk’ (31-81) category; 94% of participants diagnosed with diabetes were captured here. Analysis of health variables showed that body mass index (BMI) and diet put participants at risk in the physical health and specific domain category respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preliminary results showed great promise on user adoption. The final roll-out is projected to reach a target audience of approximately 440,000 users. An effective nudging strategy, including optimal nudging windows and customized nudges, may increase public interest to participate. The existing model can capture the holistic health status of participants while taking into consideration existing diagnoses. Further regression analysis will be conducted to identify localized lifestyle factors associated with health risks.