The effect of mobile health application use on healthpromoting behaviors

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of mobile health application usage on individuals' health-protective behaviors. The population of the research consists of individuals residing in the city center of Yozgat. The sample includes a total of 454 participants, composed of public servants working in government institutions and workers employed in the Organized Industrial Zone. Data were collected using the Health-Protective Behavior Scale and the Mobile Health Application Usage Questionnaire, both of which have established validity and reliability in the literature. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses were utilized for the data analysis. The findings revealed that individuals who regularly use mobile health applications exhibit higher levels of health-protective behaviors compared to those who do not. Additionally, variables such as education level, general health perception, the number of applications downloaded to the phone, and the purpose of using the applications were found to be significantly associated with health-protective behaviors. According to the regression analysis results, factors such as the use of mobile health applications, being female, having a positive health perception, presence of chronic disease, being a public servant, age, and having a family member working in healthcare significantly contribute to the enhancement of health-protective behaviors. These findings indicate that mobile health applications can be effective tools in raising individuals' health awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. The data obtained from this study may contribute to policies and strategies aimed at improving public health and provide a foundation for further research that supports the effective use of digital health technologies.