Developing a free open-source smartphone application for studying tobacco use in the field (observing smoking in vehicles)

摘要: Aims:(i) To develop a free open-source application (“app”) to enable on-going data collection of observed smoking in vehicles by many observers internationally;(ii) To briefly describe the development of this app and an accompanying website; and (iii) To make the framework and methodology freely available, so that the technology can be used for other purposes.Methods: We developed specifications for a smartphone app that described the:(i) variables that the app would collect;(ii) transfer of data to an online repository;(iii) user interface (including visual schematics);(iv) processes to ensure the data authenticity from distant observers. App functionality was trialled by using it in roadside situations to collect data on smoking in vehicles.Results: A smartphone app and accompanying website were developed, tested and released over a period of six months. The framework and methodology (including the source code for the app) have been made freely available online. Users who have registered themselves (and who met authentication criteria), have reported no significant usability problems to date. The framework, methodology and source code for this project are now freely available online and can be easily adapted for other research purposes. The app and website are currently in preparation for a wider promotion and release to a broader public for participation.Conclusions: This project indicates that it is practical and feasible for health researchers to work together with Information Science researchers and software developers to create smartphone apps for field research relating to tobacco control. Such apps may be used to collect …