Can smartphones measure momentary quality of life and participation? A proof of concept using experience sampling surveys with university students

BackgroundUnderstanding quality of life and participation is a key aspect of occupational therapy research. The use of smartphones to deliver experience-sampling surveys may provide an accessible way to monitor these outcomes. This study used smartphone-based experience sampling methods (ESM) to investigate factors influencing momentary quality of life (mQOL) of university students. MethodsA convenience sample of students at an Australian university participated. Using a custom smartphone application, ESM surveys were sent six to eight times, every second day, over a week. Participants indicated their mQOL, occupational participation, occupational enjoyment, social context and location via surveys and provided demographic and health information in a single self-report questionnaire. The relationship between mQOL and variables was analysed at the survey level using logistic regression. ResultsForty students completed 391 surveys. Higher mQOL was significantly related to participation in productive occupations (z=3.48; P=0.001), moderate (z=4.00; P<0.001) or high occupational enjoyment (z=7.06; P<0.001), being with someone (z=2.15, P=0.031), being at home (z=2.49; P=0.013) and an excellent self-rated health status (z=2.35; P=0.019). The magnitude of differences in mQOL was small. ConclusionThis study suggests that mQOL amongst university students relates to personal, environmental and occupational factors. The use of smartphone-based ESM appears to be a practical approach for investigating participation and QOL. Further research utilising a more diverse sample, analysing at the individual level, and using ESM in conjunction with other methodologies is recommended.