Background/Purpose: This study evaluated the usability (user performance and satisfaction) of an Instagram-based educational and interactive program promoting physical activity among young people living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. A convenience sample of adolescents and young adults (13 to 25 years) with JIA (n = 28; mean age = 18.69, SD=± 2.28 years) was recruited from arthritis-patient organizations, rehabilitation, and hospital centers to participate in two iterative cycles of online (Zoom platform) semi-structured interviews. The audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim, sorted, organized, and coded using the MAXQDA 11 software. The interview questions were grouped into 10 main categories including: 1. Privacy and Safety, 2. Design Aesthetics, 3. Functionalities, 4. Organization of the program, 5. Content of page, 6. Motivating factors, 7. Willingness to follow the program, 8. Language display (preferences),9. Suggestions for improvement to the JIActiv program and 10. Willingness to recommend the program.

Results: All participants used a computer, a smartphone or a tablet to access and navigate the JIActiv program. Overall, participants did not report any significant concerns about privacy and safety while using the JIActiv program. Participants provided positive feedback regarding the program’s user-friendly navigation and appealing visual design. Most participants reported that the featured information was relevant and of good quality. They appreciated the structure of the intervention program (overall length of the program, frequency of posts and weekly time requirements). The interactive features supporting group-based activities were highly appreciated as they offered opportunities to communicate and share information and experiences with peers. Peer interactions and the opportunity to communicate with healthcare providers were identified as motivating factors to use the JIActiv program. Some participants suggested shortening the videos length and presenting English and French content on separate Instagram pages, however this was not identified as a barrier to the use of the program. Participants suggested some minor modifications to the program. Based on these, modifications were implemented after each cycle if semi-structured interviews including edits to the informational videos to facilitate navigation.

Conclusion: Findings showed that the JIActiv program demonstrated good usability. This testing has allowed us to optimize end users’ (young people with JIA) ability to access, to navigate, to understand and to implement the informational content and practical strategies featured through this program in a culturally competent, efficient and satisfying manner.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/usability-testing-of-jiactiv-an-instagram-based-program-promoting-engagement-in-physical-activity-among-young-people-living-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/