Location-based Mobile Interventions for Alcohol Consumption in Mexican Youth: Perceived Usefulness and Ease of Use
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17488/RMIB.47.SI-TAIH.1560Keywords:
Human Computer Interaction, Mexican youth drinking, Mobile alcohol interventionsAbstract
In Mexico, addressing risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking among youth represents a critical public health challenge, with significant implications for both physical and mental health. This study explores the potential of mobile interventions, particularly location-based interventions and conversational agents, to mitigate alcohol misuse among Mexican youth, with the potential to integrate these technologies into existing healthcare systems. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on mHealth interventions and geofencing technologies, with a focus on their clinical relevance and applicability. Leveraging emerging technologies, we developed a mobile platform for location-based interventions that monitors and provides feedback on alcohol consumption patterns. We recruited 38 participants (10 women, 28 men) to evaluate the platform’s perceived ease of use and usefulness using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Overall, perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEoU) scores were positive. While women rated the platform slightly higher, only two items revealed significant gender differences across all items. Our findings highlight the promising role of mobile interventions in augmenting traditional clinical strategies, offering personalized support to young individuals at risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the potential applications of these technologies in addressing other psychological disorders, underscoring their versatility in mental health care. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of technology into public health initiatives, particularly in emerging economies like Mexico.
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