A Comprehensive Usability Assessment of Mobile Health Apps for University Students: Insights from a Preliminary Empirical Study

Abstract

The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) applications has created new opportunities for promoting health and well-being among young adults. However, their effectiveness largely depends on usability, as poor user experience can limit sustained engagement and overall impact. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary empirical evaluation of the usability of popular mobile health apps among university students. Thirty participants from diverse academic disciplines and genders interacted with selected apps, including activity tracking and general wellness platforms. Usability was assessed using the validated Mobile Health App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), measuring ease of use, interface satisfaction, and perceived usefulness. Data were analyzed to identify key strengths and areas for improvement. Findings indicate generally moderate to high usability ratings, highlighting intuitive navigation and clear visual design, while features such as personalized guidance and tutorial support require enhancement. These results provide practical insights for developers and educators seeking to optimize app interfaces for young adults and inform strategies for improving engagement with mHealth technologies. Future research should expand the sample size and examine longitudinal effects on adoption and health outcomes.