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HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 032

Discuss the benefits and challenges of using health apps to improve the health status of young Australians.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • [P] A key advantage is the accessibility of mental health support for young Australians.
  • [E] Health apps provide 24/7 assistance that aligns with young people’s digital preferences and removes traditional healthcare barriers.
  • [Ev] For example, Beyond Now offers immediate crisis planning for suicidal thoughts, while FoodSwitch enables healthier eating through barcode scanning.
  • [L] This accessibility directly improves health outcomes by meeting young people where they are most comfortable – on their devices.
     
  • [P] However, this must be weighed against the credibility crisis in health apps.
  • [E] The overwhelming number of apps (estimated at 200k+ globally) makes it difficult for young users to distinguish quality health tools from harmful ones.
  • [Ev] Social media influencers promote unverified apps similar to how e-cigarette marketing targets youth, often normalising risky behaviours.
  • [L] These issues undermine the potential health benefits.
     
  • [P] Despite these challenges, properly vetted apps offer significant potential for youth health improvement.
  • [E] When young people do access quality-assured apps, these tools effectively complement traditional healthcare services, particularly for prevention and early intervention.
  • [Ev] Mental health apps provide crucial early support for conditions like anxiety and depression, which affect almost half of females aged 16-24.
  • [L] This demonstrates that health apps can meaningfully improve young Australians’ health status when quality and access barriers are overcome.
Show Worked Solution
  • [P] A key advantage is the accessibility of mental health support for young Australians.
  • [E] Health apps provide 24/7 assistance that aligns with young people’s digital preferences and removes traditional healthcare barriers.
  • [Ev] For example, Beyond Now offers immediate crisis planning for suicidal thoughts, while FoodSwitch enables healthier eating through barcode scanning.
  • [L] This accessibility directly improves health outcomes by meeting young people where they are most comfortable – on their devices.
     
  • [P] However, this must be weighed against the credibility crisis in health apps.
  • [E] The overwhelming number of apps (estimated at 200k+ globally) makes it difficult for young users to distinguish quality health tools from harmful ones.
  • [Ev] Social media influencers promote unverified apps similar to how e-cigarette marketing targets youth, often normalising risky behaviours.
  • [L] These issues undermine the potential health benefits.
     
  • [P] Despite these challenges, properly vetted apps offer significant potential for youth health improvement.
  • [E] When young people do access quality-assured apps, these tools effectively complement traditional healthcare services, particularly for prevention and early intervention.
  • [Ev] Mental health apps provide crucial early support for conditions like anxiety and depression, which affect almost half of females aged 16-24.
  • [L] This demonstrates that health apps can meaningfully improve young Australians’ health status when quality and access barriers are overcome.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 039 MC

A mother is using Feed Safe to guide her alcohol consumption when breastfeeding. Which health benefit does this best demonstrate?

  1. Promotes more accurate diagnosis
  2. Supports safe decision-making for individual health
  3. Provides guidance on safe parenting practices
  4. Monitors the nutritional intake of the infant
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Feed Safe, as described, supports mothers in making safe health decisions regarding alcohol and breastfeeding.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. It relates more to medical imaging/AI than app-based decision support.
  • C is incorrect. This is too broad. Feed Safe targets a specific health choice, not general parenting.
  • D is incorrect. Alcohol consumption during breast feeding focuses on maternal consumption, not infant diet.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 038 MC

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Australian government's Assessment Framework for mHealth apps?

  1. To regulate the pricing of health apps in Australia
  2. To enhance app credibility and help users identify reliable apps
  3. To prevent international health apps from entering the Australian market
  4. To ensure all health apps are free for Australian citizens
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. The framework aims to improve the trustworthiness of apps and assist users in recognising dependable applications.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: The framework focuses on quality and reliability, not pricing regulation.
  • C is incorrect: The framework doesn’t restrict international apps but guides all developers.
  • D is incorrect: The framework doesn’t mandate free access to apps.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 037 MC

Which of the following is an example of a health app designed to help with mental health?

  1. FoodSwitch
  2. BrainTrack
  3. headspace
  4. PhysiApp
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. headspace is a mental health App.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. FoodSwitch focuses on nutrition by suggesting healthier food alternatives.
  • B is incorrect. BrainTrack monitors brain health and cognitive changes over time.
  • D is incorrect. PhysiApp supports physiotherapy exercise programs through guided videos and tracking.