Skip to main content
. 2016 Nov 16;4(4):e128. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.6178

Table 2.

Themes, definitions, and participant endorsements of reasons to download, continue to use, and delete apps (N=34).

Theme Definition Participant endorsement, n (%)
Reasons to download an app

Cost How much participants would spend on an app and whether cost would deter them from downloading it. 29 (85%)
18 preferred free
11 would pay

Security How secure an app is in terms of it having access to or protecting information. 25 (74%)
13 concerned
12 not concerned

Efficiency Discussion of whether the app enabled them to save time and added convenience in their life. 18 (53%)
Reasons associated with downloading and using the app over time

Usefulness and perceived necessity Perception of the app to provide a certain function that helps to fill a certain need. 24 (71%)

Influence by peers and posted reviews Downloading and sustained use of certain apps because of reviews, rating, and word of mouth from peers. Influence by others:
24 (71%)
17 yes, influenced
3 not influenced
4 sometimes



Influence by reviews:
21 (62%)
15 yes, influenced
3 not influenced
3 sometimes
Reasons associated with keeping and using the app over time

Reliability Discussion of whether the app is working properly and reliably compared with other apps. 4 (12%)

Ease of use The need for an app to be simple and easy to use to be kept. 13 (38%)

Updates Frequency at which the app would be updated. 16 (47%)
Reasons associated with deleting an app

Poor performance and functionality App that does not work or needs too frequent updating, or has too many crashes. 11 (32%)

Boredom and lack of use Apps not being relevant anymore. 8 (24%)
Preferences for HIVa testing App features and functionality

HIV test reminders Discussion of opinions about receiving reminders to get tested and preferences about format, frequency, and customization of those reminders. 34 (100%)
8 format
17 frequency
9 customization

Recommended HIV testing intervals with dates Discussion of receiving personalized, recommended testing intervals with specific dates of when to be tested next. 17 (50%)

Details about HIV testing locations and HIV test locator Sharing of opinions about wanting to know nearby locations to test and information about the testing sites. 23 (68%)

Monitoring personal behaviors Sharing of opinions about monitoring their own sexual behaviors. 21 (62%)
16 in favor
1 optional
4 against

aHIV: human immunodeficiency virus.