Project Details
Projekt
IP1: Niches structuring mobile media use in chronic disease self-management
Applicant
Professorin Dr. Veronika Karnowski
Subject Area
Communication Sciences
Term
since 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456132969
Background: Despite high hopes associated with mobile media’s possibilities for chronic disease self-management, empirical evidence on their effectiveness remains inconclusive so far. To overcome these gaps in our knowledge, we need to reconsider the use of mobile media for chronic disease self-management. Mobile media can be used ubiquitously, providing a theoretically unlimited breadth of situational contexts. In addition, most mobile media are metamedia, i.e., structures into which an unlimited number of constituent media can be embedded and rearranged. Hence, we need to extend our concept of mobile media use beyond the simple dichotomy of use versus non-use or adoption versus rejection. To do so, we draw on the niche model of mobile media use. With this, we can model mobile media use in chronic disease self-management on a situational level, integrating features on the device side, users’ motivations and gratifications, and situational factors. This approach allows us to uncover intra- and inter-individual differing patterns of mobile media use in chronic disease self-management. Objective: We want to map the specific niches of mobile media use in chronic disease self-management for diabetes type 1 and 2 and asthma/COPD. First, we will systematize extant empirical evidence on the uses of mHealth in the self-management of these chronic conditions, explicitly considering the role of the entire mobile media ecosystem. We will then map types of mobile media use for the self-management of diabetes and asthma/COPD on the situation and person level. Based on these findings, we will reevaluate and enhance the niche concept. Finally, we want to investigate how persons living with diabetes and asthma/COPD contextualize our findings, considering their experiences. Work program: We will conduct five empirical studies to meet these objectives. First, we will conduct two systematic reviews on the uses of mHealth for the self-management of diabetes type 1 and 2 (study 1) and asthma/COPD (study 3). Based on two in-situ studies, we will then map the specific niches that structure the self-management of individuals living with diabetes (study 2) and asthma/COPD (study 4;) using mobile devices. Finally, we conduct focus groups with individuals living with diabetes and asthma/COPD to contextualize the findings of studies 2 and 4 (study 5). Collaborations and Interest groups: bilateral collaborations mainly with IP2 effects and IP3 privacy; participation in CG continued use Expected results/contributions: The results of this project will guide further studies on the usefulness and implementation of mHealth interventions in chronic disease self-management, as well as, ultimately, the development of adequate mHealth products to support self-management for diabetes and asthma/COPD patients. In addition, this project will provide insights into the empirical applicability of the niche concept to study mobile media use practices in general and in the context of mHealth.
DFG Programme
Research Units
