Developing a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment protocol to collect biopsychosocial data with community-dwelling late-middle-aged and older adults

Abstract

Although ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has been used in youth and adult populations, very few of the studies provided evidence of the feasibility and utility of smartphone-based EMA protocols to collect biopsychosocial data from aging populations. This study aimed to describe the design and implementation of a smartphone-based EMA protocol, and to evaluate the feasibility and utility of this EMA protocol among community-dwelling late-middle-aged and older Chinese. A sample of 78 community-dwelling Chinese aged between 50 and 70 years was trained to participate in a 1-week EMA data collection, during which each participant carried an Android smartphone loaded with a researcher-developed EMA application and a smartphone-based electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to provide psychosocial (e.g., daily activities, social interaction, affect) data and ECG recordings six times daily. Adherence was demonstrated with a total response rate of 91.5% of all scheduled assessments (n = 3,822) and a moderately high level of perceived feasibility. Female participants reported higher compliance to the study and rated the overall experience as more pleasant and interesting than male participants. Our study provided the first evidence of the feasibility and utility of smartphone-based EMA protocols among late-middle-aged and older Chinese. Key areas for improvement in future design and implementation of mobile-based EMA include the incorporation of usable technology, adequate and training, and timely assistance.

Keywords: Chinese elders; Feasibility; Mobile technology; Protocol improvement; Real-time assessment.