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. 2022 Nov 25;24(11):e37552. doi: 10.2196/37552

Table 3.

Performance on App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS) criteria (most to least frequently used).

Behavior change techniquea Value, n (%)
Customize and personalize some features 19 (100)
Baseline information 16 (84)
Allow the user to easily self-monitor behavior 13 (68)
Provide instruction on how to perform the behavior 10 (53)
Reminders or prompts or cues for activity (on app) 8 (42)
Data export 7 (37)
Information provided about the consequences of continuing or discontinuing behavior 7 (37)
Give user feedback (person or automatic) 5 (26)
Allow or encourage practice or rehearsal in addition to daily activities 4 (21)
Created with expertise or information consistent with national guidelines 4 (21)
Restructure the physical or social environment 4 (21)
Encourage positive habit formation 3 (16)
Provide the opportunity to plan for barriers 3 (16)
Share behaviors with others or allow for social comparison 3 (16)
Understand the difference between current action and future goals 3 (16)
Distraction or avoidance 2 (11)
Review goals, update, and change 2 (11)
Goal setting 1 (5)
Provide general encouragement 0 (0)
Material or social reward or incentive 0 (0)
Willingness for behavior change 0 (0)

aApp Behavior Change Scale average score: mean 6 (SD 4) out of 21.