1Research Scholar, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam. Email: krishtibarman@gmail.com
2Associate Professor, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam. Email: arunadevrroy09@gmail.com
3Assistant Professor, Assam Institute of Management, Assam. Email: mreeshiagarwala@gmail.com
The rapid development of digital technologies has significantly transformed healthcare delivery and personal health management. Among these innovations, mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as important tools for encouraging healthier lifestyles and improving access to health information. However, many mobile health applications face challenges in maintaining long-term user engagement. Gamification, which involves the use of game design elements such as points, rewards, badges, and challenges in non-game contexts, has been increasingly integrated into mobile health applications to motivate users and promote sustained participation. This study examines the role of gamification in mobile health applications as a tool for promoting sustainable healthcare consumption. Using a secondary data analysis approach, the study reviews existing literature and global reports related to digital health technologies, gamification strategies, and preventive healthcare behaviors. The study proposes a conceptual framework linking gamification features, user engagement, health motivation, preventive health behaviour, and sustainable healthcare consumption. The findings suggest that gamification can enhance user engagement in mobile health platforms and encourage individuals to adopt preventive health practices such as regular physical activity, healthy diet, and continuous health monitoring. These behaviors contribute to sustainable healthcare consumption by reducing reliance on reactive healthcare services and promoting proactive health management. The study provides theoretical and practical insights for researchers, healthcare providers, and digital health developers regarding the potential of gamified mobile health applications to support sustainable healthcare systems.
Keywords: Gamification, Mobile Health Applications, Digital Health, Preventive Healthcare, Sustainable Healthcare Consumption, User Engagement.
How to cite this article: Barman S, Rroy AD, Agarwala M. Gamification in Mobile Health Apps as a Tool to Promote Sustainable Healthcare Consumption. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 28-35. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.5
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None