Characteristics of the AppGroup (n (%)) completing the Background survey (9/10, (90%)) were: Age (years): 30-39, n=1 (11.1%), 50-59, n=1 (11.1%), 60+, n=7 (77.8%); Gender: Female, n=9 (100%); Race: Black, African American, or African, n=3 (33.3%), White, n=6 (66.7%); Ease of learning new technology such as a mobile app: Don’t learn easily but would like to become better, n=3 (33.3%), Learn easily, n=3 (33.3%), Learn very easily, n=3 (33.3%); Number of health-related apps previously used: 1 app, n=1 (11.1%),1-2 apps, n=4 (44.4%), 3-5 apps, n=4 (44.4%); Type of technology adopter: Early, n=1 (11.1%), Late, n=1 (11.1%), Between early and late adopter, n=7 (77.8%).
See Table 1 for a description of general app use by the AppGroup.
Optional educational articles: The percentage of the AppGroup (n=10) that accessed the various optional educational articles available to all app users was as follows: What is a normal bowel movement and stool=50%, What is ABL=40%, Risk factors for ABL= 40%, Achieving a regular bowel elimination pattern= 30%, Normal process of emptying the bowel without leakage=30%, Relaxation to help you cope emotionally with ABL=10%, Recommended position and tips for bowel elimination= 30%, Bowel clean-up and skin care= 20%, Fluid intake=30%, You are not the only one with ABL=30%, Medication side effects=20%, Practical tips for locating public toilets=20%, Relaxation: Mindfulness and breathing=10%, Activating self-management=10%, Benefit of developing a self-management plan with a clinician=10%, Practical tips, cleansing kits=10%, Relaxation: Meditation=10%, Relaxation: Yoga=10%, and Taking care of yourself =10%.
Table 2 reports the AppGroup’s ease and confidence in using the app at the end of the study.