Research & Innovation
Publications
aktivplan in Health Tourism
PMU Authors
Vera Foisner, Arnulf Hartl, Josef Niebauer, Gunnar Treff, Rene Zechner
All Authors
Daniela Wurhofer, Eva-Maria Krah, Daria Kolosovskaia, Rania Islambouli, Vera Foisner, Arnulf Hartl, Josef Niebauer, Gunnar Treff, Rene Zechner, Jan Smeddinck
Journal association
STUDIES IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATICS
Abstract
Health tourism can initiate health-promoting behaviors, yet sustaining these behaviors beyond on-site stays remains challenging. Digital prevention platforms may facilitate long-term transfer of health-related routines into everyday life. This study evaluates the acceptance, usability, and user experience of the aktivplan app as a digital prevention platform for sustaining healthy behaviors beyond health stays. In a mixed-methods manner, the study conducted between May 2024 and April 2025 included diaries, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and engagement and adherence logging with 33 participants over more than six months. Results showed that aktivplan was perceived as user-friendly, intuitive, and motivating, and often showed sustained regular use over time. Participants reported increased physical activity, motivation, and self-efficacy. Content flexibility, personalization, and regional integration were identified as key drivers of engagement and successful behavior transfer. Based on these findings, digital prevention platforms such as aktivplan show strong potential to sustain health-promoting behaviors beyond health stays.
Keywords
Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Female, Surveys and Questionnaires, MOTIVATION, ADULT, Mobile Applications, Health Promotion/methods, Health Behavior, Medical Tourism