(LB03-17-25) Exploring the Acceptability and Usability of iCANPlate, a Dietary Self-Monitoring Smartphone App That Mirrors Canada’s Food Guide

Objectives: To assess the usability and acceptability of iCANPlate among individuals with low health literacy.

Methods: Participants were recruited virtually across Canada and were eligible if they were living with low health literacy (defined as ≤3 on the Newest Vital Sign tool). Participants used iCANPlate for five weeks, after which semi-structured interviews explored their experiences. Transcripts were analyzed using deductive coding, with themes categorized under the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model to identify barriers, facilitators, and other suggestions.

Results: This study included n=16 participants, (n=11 women, 62.5% aged 25-44 years). Most participants (62.5%) reported increased awareness of eating patterns, reinforcing iCANPlate’s potential as a self-monitoring tool. Common barriers included difficulty categorizing food groups and estimating proportions. Some users found the app’s purpose unclear, particularly its role in goal setting and behaviour change. The lack of goal-setting features and personalized feedback limited engagement, with many requesting reminders and progress tracking to improve usability.

Conclusions: While participants appreciated iCANPlate’s simplicity, the lack of feedback and guidance reduced engagement. Many users suggested reminders, clearer goal-setting, and meaningful progress tracking to improve its use. Findings from this study will inform refinements to improve accessibility while enhancing dietary behaviour support for individuals with low health literacy.

Funding Sources: Canadian Institutes of Health Research