| Sumario: | Background:Approximately half of college students who completed the National College Health Assessment 2013 indicated a greater need for health-related information. University-based smartphone applications may help students better access this information.Purpose:This study describes the needs assessment, development, and formative evaluation of a smartphone application designed to link students to health promotion information and on-campus resources at a public university.Methods:An online survey was administered to 219 students. A smartphone application was subsequently developed also considering feedback from selected campus leaders. A focus group was conducted with 9 students to assess opinions about the application prototype.Results:The 3 most common health topics participants selected as most important to them were stress management, nutrition/diet, and physical activity/fitness. Students thought the application prototype was beneficial to the campus community and the topics included were helpful. They also provided specific suggestions on how to improve the application.Translation to Health Education Practice:A smartphone application that is responsive to students’ needs and specific to their campus community may be well accepted and utilized by students. Increased utilization of such apps may translate to increased utilization of health-related services and positive health behaviors.
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