A Qualitative Study of Student Perspectives on Habit-Tracking Apps: Digital Interventions to Facilitate Habit Development

Digital self-monitoring tools are increasingly used as health interventions to support goal achievement. However, many mobile health (mHealth) applications prioritise quantitative metrics, overlooking qualitative dimensions critical for understanding user engagement and behavioral change. This study explored students’ perceptions of a habit-tracking app’s usability and acceptability, and its effectiveness in facilitating behavior change over five weeks. Twelve university students (aged 18–32; 11 female, 1 non-binary) across UK undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students participated. Using a within-person repeated-assessments qualitative design, data were collected through two methods: Think-Aloud protocols for initial impressions and semi-structured focus groups after five weeks of app use. Thematic analysis was applied, following Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines. Think-Aloud sessions yielded three themes: usability, acceptability, and challenges. Focus groups identified four themes: design, engagement, individual differences, and mechanisms of effect. The app was most effective for short-term habit tracking but limited in sustaining long-term habits. Features such as reminders and gamification enhanced engagement and supported positive behavioral change. Future development should prioritize goal-relevant, customizable features that foster autonomy, competence, and sustained behavior change.