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Toïgo M, Marc J, Hayot M, Moulis L, Carbonnel F. Quality Assessment of Smartphone Medication Management Apps in France: Systematic Search. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e54866. [PMID: 38498042 PMCID: PMC10985613 DOI: 10.2196/54866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to medication is estimated to be around 50% for chronically ill patients in high-income countries. Improving the effectiveness of adherence interventions could have a far greater impact on population health than any improvement in specific medical treatments. Mobile health (mHealth) is one of the most effective solutions for helping patients improve their medication intake, notably through the use of mobile apps with reminder systems. With more than 327,000 apps available in the mHealth field, it is difficult for health care professionals and patients alike to choose which apps to recommend and use. OBJECTIVE We aim to carry out a systematic search of medication management smartphone apps available in France that send reminders to patients and assess their quality using a validated scale. METHODS Mobile apps were identified in October and November 2022 after a systematic keyword search on the 2 main app download platforms: App Store (Apple Inc) and Google Play Store. Inclusion criteria were free availability, date of last update, and availability in French. Next, 2 health care professionals independently evaluated the included apps using the French version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-F), an objective scoring system validated for assessing the overall quality of apps in the mHealth field. An intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to determine interrater reliability. RESULTS In total, 960 apps were identified and 49 were selected (25 from the App Store and 24 from the Google Play Store). Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.95; P<.001). The average MARS-F score was 3.56 (SD 0.49) for apps on the App Store and 3.51 (SD 0.46) for those on the Google Play Store, with 10 apps scoring above 4 out of 5. Further, 2 apps were tested in at least one randomized controlled trial and showed positive results. The 2 apps with the highest ratings were Mediteo rappel de médicaments (Mediteo GmbH) and TOM rappel medicaments, pilule (Innovation6 GmbH), available on both platforms. Each app's MARS-F score was weakly correlated with user ratings on the App Store and moderately correlated on the Google Play Store. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study that used a validated scoring system to evaluate medication management apps that send medication reminders. The quality of the apps was heterogeneous, with only 2 having been studied in a randomized controlled trial with positive results. The evaluation of apps in real-life conditions by patients is necessary to determine their acceptability and effectiveness. Certification of apps is also essential to help health care professionals and patients identify validated apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Toïgo
- Department of General Practice, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Marc
- Department of General Practice, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maurice Hayot
- PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lionel Moulis
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Univ Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Francois Carbonnel
- Department of General Practice, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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Gagnon J, Probst S, Chartrand J, Lalonde M. mHealth App Usability Questionnaire for Stand-Alone mHealth Apps Used by Health Care Providers: Canadian French Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation (Part 1). JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50839. [PMID: 38349710 PMCID: PMC10900083 DOI: 10.2196/50839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of health care professionals are using mobile apps. The mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) was designed to evaluate the usability of mobile health apps by patients and providers. However, this questionnaire is not available in French. OBJECTIVE This study aims to translate (from English to Canadian French), cross-culturally adapt, and initiate the validation of the original version of MAUQ for stand-alone mobile health apps used by French-speaking health care providers. METHODS A cross-cultural research study using a well-established method was conducted to translate MAUQ to Canadian French by certified translators and subsequently review it with a translation committee. It was then back translated to English. The back translations were compared with the original by the members of the committee to reach consensus regarding the prefinal version. A pilot test of the prefinal version was conducted with a sample of 49 potential users and 10 experts for content validation. RESULTS The statements are considered clear, with interrater agreement of 99.14% among potential users and 90% among experts. Of 21 statements, 5 (24%) did not exceed the 80% interrater agreement of the experts regarding clarity. Following the revisions, interrater agreement exceeded 80%. The content validity index of the items varied from 0.90 to 1, and the overall content validity index was 0.981. Individual Fleiss multirater κ of each item was between 0.89 and 1, showing excellent agreement and increasing confidence in the questionnaire's content validity. CONCLUSIONS This process of translation and cultural adaptation produced a new version of MAUQ that was validated for later use among the Canadian French-speaking population. An upcoming separate study will investigate the psychometric properties of the adapted questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gagnon
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
| | - Sebastian Probst
- Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse occidentale, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
- Care Directorate, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Julie Chartrand
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Lalonde
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Andreoli D, Mancin S, Sguanci M, Ricco M, Gazineo D, Godino L. Assessment of healthcare application quality: Development of a standardized methods for healthcare professionals. MethodsX 2023; 11:102391. [PMID: 37791010 PMCID: PMC10542414 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement of the mobile app market is reshaping healthcare, emphasizing the imperative for quality and efficacy in health applications. This methodology has been devised to assess mobile health applications, aiming to assist healthcare professionals in selecting apps for e-healthcare consumers. Key facets of this approach are: •A stringent selection process within mobile app stores•A standardized assessment using the Mobile App Rating Scale to achieve consistent and replicable evaluations, systematically organizing app evaluations•A comprehensive framework guiding healthcare practitioners in determining which apps to integrate into clinical practice and which to exclude Central to this method is the emphasis on distinguishing apps that enhance clinical practice from those that fall short in important areas such as the effectiveness of proposed health features, data accuracy, adherence to clinical guidelines, data security, and user privacy. With heightened attention to usability and accessibility, the methodology also addresses the common risks inherent in mHealth implementation, ensuring that selected apps not only meet technical criteria but also align with the broader healthcare ecosystem's needs and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirèe Andreoli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
- SIAN, Società Infermieri Area Nefrologica, Olbia, Italy
| | - Stefano Mancin
- SIAN, Società Infermieri Area Nefrologica, Olbia, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sguanci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Unit of Nursing Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy
| | - Mattia Ricco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenica Gazineo
- SIAN, Società Infermieri Area Nefrologica, Olbia, Italy
- Governo Clinico e Qualità, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lea Godino
- SIAN, Società Infermieri Area Nefrologica, Olbia, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Geng L, Jiang G, Yu L, Xu Y, Huang W, Chen Z, Qi X, Zhang T, Zhao M. The Most Popular Commercial Weight Management Apps in the Chinese App Store: Analysis of Quality, Features, and Behavior Change Techniques. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e50226. [PMID: 37999950 PMCID: PMC10709793 DOI: 10.2196/50226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many smartphone apps designed to assist individuals in managing their weight are accessible, but the assessment of app quality and features has predominantly taken place in Western countries. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research evaluating weight management apps in China, which highlights the need for further investigation in this area. OBJECTIVE This study aims to conduct a comprehensive search for the most popular commercial Chinese smartphone apps focused on weight management and assess their quality, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and content-related features using appropriate evaluation scales. Additionally, the study sought to investigate the associations between the quality of various domains within weight management apps and the number of incorporated BCTs and app features. METHODS In April 2023, data on weight management apps from the iOS and Android app stores were downloaded from the Qimai Data platform. Subsequently, a total of 35 weight management apps were subjected to screening and analysis by 2 researchers. The features and quality of the apps were independently assessed by 6 professionals specializing in nutrition management and health behavioral change using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Two registered dietitians, who had experience in app development and coding BCTs, applied the established 26-item BCT taxonomy to verify the presence of BCTs. Mean (SD) scores and their distributions were calculated for each section and item. Spearman correlations were used to assess the relationship between an app's quality and its technical features, as well as the number of incorporated BCTs. RESULTS The data set included a total of 35 apps, with 8 available in the Android Store, 10 in the Apple Store, and 17 in both. The overall quality, with a mean MARS score of 3.44 (SD 0.44), showed that functionality was the highest scoring domain (mean 4.18, SD 0.37), followed by aesthetics (mean 3.43, SD 0.42), engagement (mean 3.26, SD 0.64), and information (mean 2.91, SD 0.52), which had the lowest score. The mean number of BCTs in the analyzed apps was 9.17 (range 2-18 BCTs/app). The most common BCTs were "prompt review of behavioral goals" and "provide instruction," present in 31 apps (89%). This was followed by "prompt self-monitoring of behavior" in 30 apps (86%), "prompt specific goal setting" in 29 apps (83%), and "provide feedback on performance" in 27 apps (77%). The most prevalent features in the analyzed apps were the need for web access (35/35, 100%), monitoring/tracking (30/35, 86%), goal setting (29/35, 83%), and sending alerts (28/35, 80%). The study also revealed strong positive correlations among the number of BCTs incorporated, app quality, and app features. This suggests that apps with a higher number of BCTs tend to have better overall quality and more features. CONCLUSIONS The study found that the overall quality of weight management apps in China is moderate, with a particular weakness in the quality of information provided. The most prevalent BCTs in these apps were reviewing behavioral goals, providing guidance, self-monitoring of behavior, goal setting, and offering performance feedback. The most common features were the need for web access, monitoring and tracking, goal setting, and sending alerts. Notably, higher-quality weight management apps in China tended to incorporate more BCTs and features. These findings can be valuable for developers looking to improve weight management apps and enhance their potential to drive behavioral change in weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Geng
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Genyan Jiang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lingling Yu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yueming Xu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiqi Chen
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qi
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Gasteiger N, Dowding D, Norman G, McGarrigle L, Eost-Telling C, Jones D, Vercell A, Ali SM, O'Connor S. Conducting a systematic review and evaluation of commercially available mobile applications (apps) on a health-related topic: the TECH approach and a step-by-step methodological guide. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073283. [PMID: 37308269 PMCID: PMC10277147 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the methodological considerations for conducting commercial smartphone health app reviews (mHealth reviews), with the aim of systematising the process and supporting high-quality evaluations of mHealth apps. DESIGN Synthesis of our research team's experiences of conducting and publishing various reviews of mHealth apps available on app stores and hand-searching the top medical informatics journals (eg, The Lancet Digital Health, npj Digital Medicine, Journal of Biomedical Informatics and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association) over the last five years (2018-2022) to identify other app reviews to contribute to the discussion of this method and supporting framework for developing a research (review) question and determining the eligibility criteria. RESULTS We present seven steps to support rigour in conducting reviews of health apps available on the app market: (1) writing a research question or aims, (2) conducting scoping searches and developing the protocol, (3) determining the eligibility criteria using the TECH framework, (4) conducting the final search and screening of health apps, (5) data extraction, (6) quality, functionality and other assessments and (7) analysis and synthesis of findings. We introduce the novel TECH approach to developing review questions and the eligibility criteria, which considers the Target user, Evaluation focus, Connectedness and the Health domain. Patient and public involvement and engagement opportunities are acknowledged, including co-developing the protocol and undertaking quality or usability assessments. CONCLUSION Commercial mHealth app reviews can provide important insights into the health app market, including the availability of apps and their quality and functionality. We have outlined seven key steps for conducting rigorous health app reviews in addition to the TECH acronym, which can support researchers in writing research questions and determining the eligibility criteria. Future work will include a collaborative effort to develop reporting guidelines and a quality appraisal tool to ensure transparency and quality in systematic app reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norina Gasteiger
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Dowding
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gill Norman
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lisa McGarrigle
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Eost-Telling
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Debra Jones
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Amy Vercell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Syed Mustafa Ali
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Siobhan O'Connor
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ajay K, Azevedo LB, Haste A, Morris AJ, Giles E, Gopu BP, Subramanian MP, Zohoori FV. App-based oral health promotion interventions on modifiable risk factors associated with early childhood caries: A systematic review. Front Oral Health 2023; 4:1125070. [PMID: 36968137 PMCID: PMC10036826 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1125070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable chronic disease. Parents' knowledge and attitudes toward oral healthcare have been associated with higher caries experience in their children. Mobile apps within the context of mHealth interventions are a potential tool for raising awareness and informing parents about their children's oral health. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of mobile health apps, targeted at parents and caregivers, for the prevention of ECC. Data sources A systematic search was carried out in five scientific databases; Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Study selection and data extraction Original studies, delivering oral health interventions to parents of children <6 years via smartphones, were included. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from the included studies were extracted. Synthesis A convergent segregated approach was used to integrate the quantitative and qualitative evidence, followed by side-by-side display and narrative synthesis. Results Out of 5,953 retrieved articles, five met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three articles reported quantitative findings, while two reported both quantitative and qualitative findings. Four studies reported that a mobile app can be an effective tool to improve the oral health knowledge of parents/caregivers, aiding them in incorporating good oral health habits into their children's daily routines. Conclusion This review demonstrated that oral health promotion programs delivered through mobile apps to parents could be effective in improving child oral health awareness among parents. There is a need for more high-quality studies with a large number of participants to find out which features of mHealth interventions with parents could effectively be employed to reduce the prevalence of ECC. Further studies and apps should be developed based on evidence-based behaviour change techniques and incorporate features such as gamification to increase the effectiveness and engagement of the target population. Systematic Review Registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?], identifier [CRD42021268331].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalapriya Ajay
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Liane B. Azevedo
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Haste
- Centre for Applied Psychological Science, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander John Morris
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Giles
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Banu Preethi Gopu
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fatemeh Vida Zohoori
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
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Raeesi A, Khajouei R, Ahmadian L. Evaluating and rating HIV/AIDS mobile apps using the feature-based application rating method and mobile app rating scale. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:281. [PMID: 36310157 PMCID: PMC9618024 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate HIV/AIDS mobile applications using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and rate the features of these applications using the new tool called the Feature-based Application Rating Method (FARM). Methods In this study, all available HIV/AIDS apps in Iran from Cafe Bazaar and Google Play Store due to inclusion criteria were studied. The evaluation of the quality of applications was done using the MARS tool and the FARM tool. The FARM, which was developed in this study, was applied to rank the features of the applications. Results In this study, 79 applications were included. The mean score of all apps using both tools was 3.58 (SD = 0.95) out of 5. The overall mean quality score based on the MARS was 3.14 (SD = 0.84), and the mean score of features based on FARM was 3.81 (SD = 1.23). This study showed a higher than moderate correlation between the scores assigned to apps based on the MARS and FARM tools (r > 0.4). Conclusions The HIV/AIDS mobile applications available in Iran had the "acceptable" ranking. Also, our study results showed that to evaluate mobile apps, using a single tool may not provide good insight to evaluators about the assessed apps. However, using more than one tool may provide more details about the evaluated apps. To improve the quality of mobile health apps and help users select the most desirable app, we suggested using tools like FARM for ranking apps based on the features of each app in the app stores. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-02029-8.
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Kanoute A, Carrouel F, Gare J, Dieng SN, Dieng A, Diop M, Faye D, Fraticelli L, Bourgeois D. Evaluation of Oral Hygiene-Related Mobile Apps for Children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:12565. [PMID: 36231862 PMCID: PMC9565087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, oral health is a real epidemiological challenge. Mobile applications represent a hope for the learning of oral hygiene in children and the fight against oral diseases. This study overviews and assesses the quality of mobile applications linked to oral hygiene for children currently featured on the iOS and Android stores in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten oral health professionals (OHP) used the French Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-F) to rate 15 selected applications. The highest MARS-F scores for overall quality were reported for Bonne nuit Caillou (3.89 ± 0.74), Mon Raccoon (3.63 ± 0.95), and Chomper Chums (3.54 ± 0.54) while the lowest MARS-F scores for overall quality were achieved by Brushing time (2.31 ± 0.61), De belles dents (2.55 ± 0.55) and Brushing Hero (2.77 ± 0.53). The subjective quality scores ranged from 1.50 ± 0.68 for Brushing time to 3.25 ± 0.97 for Bonne nuit Caillou. Specificity scores ranged from 1.95 ± 0.88 (Brushing time) to 3.75 ± 0.84 (Bonne nuit Caillou). Thus, OHP rated positively the quality of the majority of mobile applications linked to oral hygiene for children, their effect on users' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to change, and the probability of effective oral hygiene behavior modification. They stated that they would recommend their use to their patients who need them. However, studies analyzing the change in oral hygiene behavior of children using these apps need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Kanoute
- Public Health Service, Department of Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
| | - Florence Carrouel
- Health, Systemic, Process (P2S), UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jocelyne Gare
- Health, Systemic, Process (P2S), UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Public Health Laboratory (LASAP), ED2S Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, University Joseph Ki Zerbo, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso
| | - Serigne Ndame Dieng
- Public Health Service, Department of Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
| | - Amadou Dieng
- Public Health Service, Department of Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
| | - Mbathio Diop
- Public Health Service, Department of Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
| | - Daouda Faye
- Public Health Service, Department of Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
| | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Health, Systemic, Process (P2S), UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Denis Bourgeois
- Health, Systemic, Process (P2S), UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69002 Lyon, France
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Mendi O, Kiymac Sari M, Stoyanov S, Mendi B. Development and validation of the Turkish version of the Mobile App Rating Scale - MARS-TR. Int J Med Inform 2022; 166:104843. [PMID: 35964383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of mobile health apps (MHAs) is growing rapidly. MHAs have great potential to improve health and health care. However, the quality of available MHAs remains unknown due to the lack of quality assessment regulations and standards for MHAs. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) is the most widely used instrument to assess the quality of MHAs, and available in English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Japanese. However, the scale is currently not available in the Turkish language. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the MARS into Turkish and evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale. METHODS The MARS was translated and adapted into Turkish according to the international guidelines. A total of 52 pregnancy tracking apps were evaluated by two independent raters. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), inter-rater reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]), convergent validity and concurrent validity were explored. Regarding convergent validity, MARS-TR scores were compared with the ENLIGHT scale. RESULTS The MARS-TR was highly aligned with the original MARS. The MARS-TR showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.95 for both raters) and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.94; SEM = 0.02), with a smallest detectable change (95 % confidence level) of 0.05 points for the total score. Cronbach's alphas for the subscales ranged from 0.76 to 0.94 for the two raters. Correlations between the MARS-TR and ENLIGHT demonstrated adequate convergent validity (P < 0.05). No ceiling or floor effects were observed. CONCLUSION The results provide evidence that the Turkish version of MARS is a valid and reliable tool for researchers and experts to assess the quality of MHAs in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Mendi
- Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, Buyukdere Cad. No:120 Esentepe / Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Merve Kiymac Sari
- Florence Nightingale Hospital School of Nursing, Demiroglu Bilim University, Buyukdere Cad. Yazarlar Sok. No:27 Esentepe / Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Stoyan Stoyanov
- School of Design & School of Psychology, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 5 Cordova Street, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia.
| | - Basak Mendi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Demiroglu Bilim University, Buyukdere Cad. Yazarlar Sok. No:27 Esentepe / Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Carrouel F, du Sartz de Vigneulles B, Bourgeois D, Kabuth B, Baltenneck N, Nusbaum F, Burge V, Roy S, Buchheit S, Carrion-Martinaud ML, Massoubre C, Fraticelli L, Dussart C. Mental Health Mobile Apps in the French App Store: Assessment of Functionality and Quality (Preprint). JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e41282. [PMID: 36223178 PMCID: PMC9607929 DOI: 10.2196/41282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 800 million people, representing 11% of the world’s population, are affected by mental health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated problems and triggered a decline in well-being, with drastic increase in the incidence of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Approximately 20,000 mental health apps are listed in mobile app stores. However, no significant evaluation of mental health apps in French, spoken by approximately 300 million people, has been identified in the literature yet. Objective This study aims to review the mental health mobile apps currently available on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store and to evaluate their quality using Mobile App Rating Scale–French (MARS-F). Methods Screening of mental health apps was conducted from June 10, 2022, to June 17, 2022, on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A shortlist of 12 apps was identified using the criteria of selection and assessed using MARS-F by 9 mental health professionals. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate interrater agreement. Mean (SD) scores and their distributions for each section and item were calculated. Results The highest scores for MARS-F quality were obtained by Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa (mean 3.85, SD 0.48), Evoluno (mean 3.54, SD 0.72), and Teale (mean 3.53, SD 0.87). Mean engagement scores (section A) ranged from 2.33 (SD 0.69) for Reflexe reussite to 3.80 (SD 0.61) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean aesthetics scores (section C) ranged from 2.52 (SD 0.62) for Mental Booster to 3.89 (SD 0.69) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean information scores (section D) ranged from 2.00 (SD 0.75) for Mental Booster to 3.46 (SD 0.77) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean Mobile App Rating Scale subjective quality (section E) score varied from 1.22 (SD 0.26) for VOS – journal de l’humeur to 2.69 (SD 0.84) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean app specificity (section F) score varied from 1.56 (SD 0.97) for Mental Booster to 3.31 (SD 1.22) for Evoluno. For all the mental health apps studied, except Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa (11/12, 92%), the subjective quality score was always lower than the app specificity score, which was always lower than the MARS-F quality score, and that was lower than the rating score from the iPhone Operating System or Android app stores. Conclusions Mental health professionals assessed that, despite the lack of scientific evidence, the mental health mobile apps available on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store were of good quality. However, they are reluctant to use them in their professional practice. Additional investigations are needed to assess their compliance with recommendations and their long-term impact on users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Carrouel
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Denis Bourgeois
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Bernard Kabuth
- Prisme Team, Interpsy Laboratory, Research Unit EA4432, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Nancy Psychotherapeutic Center, Laxou, France
| | - Nicolas Baltenneck
- Development, Individual, Process, Disability, University Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Fanny Nusbaum
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Burge
- Prisme Team, Interpsy Laboratory, Research Unit EA4432, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Nancy Psychotherapeutic Center, Laxou, France
| | - Sylvain Roy
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Buchheit
- Prisme Team, Interpsy Laboratory, Research Unit EA4432, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Nancy Psychotherapeutic Center, Laxou, France
| | | | - Catherine Massoubre
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Unit EA7423, Saint-Etienne University Hospital Center of Saint Etienne, University Jean Monnet, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Claude Dussart
- Health Systemic Process, Research Unit UR4129, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Carrouel F, Bourgeois D, Clément C, Tardivo D, Martinon P, Guiral S, Lan R, Viennot S, Dussart C, Fraticelli L. Oral-Hygiene-Related Mobile Apps in the French App Stores: Assessment of Functionality and Quality. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19127293. [PMID: 35742541 PMCID: PMC9223428 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health apps can contribute to increased quality of individual oral hygiene behaviors. This study provides an overview and an evaluation of quality of oral-hygiene-related mobile apps currently available in Google Play Store and the French Apple App. A shortlist of nine apps was assessed by 10 oral health professionals using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate interrater agreement. Best quality scores were obtained by Oral-B (3.4 ± 0.97), Colgate Connect (3.20 ± 0.63), and Preventeeth (3.10 ± 1.1) and worst ones by Mimizaur se brosse les dents (1.80 ± 0.79) and Kolibree (2.30 ± 0.82). The subjective quality scores ranged from 2.62 ± 0.61 (Oral-B) to 1.5 ± 0.61 (MSD). Specificity of the content ranged from 3.46 ± 0.84 (Preventeeth) to 1.78 ± 0.47 (Mimizaur se brosse les dents). Thus, even if oral health professionals positively evaluated the quality of oral-hygiene-related mobile apps, they are less assertive concerning their impact on the user's knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to change, as well as the likelihood of actual change in the oral hygiene behavior. Further investigations are needed to assess whether information from these apps is consistent with oral hygiene recommendations and to determine the long-term impacts of these apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Carrouel
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-4-78-78-57-45
| | - Denis Bourgeois
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Céline Clément
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
- Prisme Team, Interpsy Laboratory, EA 4432, University of Lorraine, CEDEX, 54015 Nancy, France
| | - Delphine Tardivo
- Laboratory Anthropology, Health Law, and Medical Ethics, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University 2, 13344 Marseille, France; (D.T.); (R.L.)
| | - Prescilla Martinon
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Sébastien Guiral
- Laboratory Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), UMR 5086 CNRS/University of Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France;
| | - Romain Lan
- Laboratory Anthropology, Health Law, and Medical Ethics, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University 2, 13344 Marseille, France; (D.T.); (R.L.)
| | - Stéphane Viennot
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Claude Dussart
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Health, Systemic, Process, UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (C.C.); (P.M.); (S.V.); (C.D.); (L.F.)
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Shinohara Y, Yamamoto K, Ito M, Sakata M, Koizumi S, Hashisako M, Sato M, Wannous M, Stoyanov SR, Nakajima J, Furukawa TA. Development and validation of the Japanese version of the uMARS (user version of the mobile app rating system). Int J Med Inform 2022; 165:104809. [PMID: 35728358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the global market of Mobile Health Apps (mHealth apps) continues to grow dramatically, most mHealth apps still not only lack evidence base but have even not been evaluated for the basic usability or functionality. The User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) was developed to allow end users to assess mHealth apps objectively and subjectively. However, there is no Japanese version of uMARS to date. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is (1) to develop a validated Japanese version of uMARS and (2) to assess the translated version's reliability and validity in evaluating mHealth apps. METHODS The original uMARS was adapted for Japanese use by four specialists using universalist cross-cultural methods. Translation/back-translation was reviewed by the author of the original version of uMARS, and confirmed. Its reliability and validity were further evaluated as part of a prospective cohort study of postoperative patients using a new mHealth app. RESULTS Conceptual equivalence was analyzed and all items in all subcategories of the original uMARS were included in the Japanese version. Internal consistency was deemed acceptable for all subscales of objective and subjective quality with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.75-0.85. Test-retest reliability of all subscales was also acceptable with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.57-0.88. Convergent/divergent validity and concurrent validity were also considered acceptable. CONCLUSION A Japanese version of uMARS was cross-culturally validated and found to be as reliable as the original uMARS. This Japanese version of uMARS is expected to become a standard tool in assessing the quality of mHealth apps in Japan.
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Martínez-Olcina M, Cuestas-Calero BJ, Miralles-Amorós L, Vicente-Martínez M, Sánchez-Sánchez J. Effectiveness of App-Based Intervention to Improve Health Status of Sedentary Middle-Aged Males and Females. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:5857. [PMID: 35627392 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to a nutritional program and physical activity are the fundamental aspects of treatment for weight loss and associated problems. Previous research has shown that self-monitoring using a mobile device improves self-management. METHODS A total of 35 subjects (40.6 ± 9.24 years) participated in the study. During the control period (3 months), they received physical exercise guidelines and a personalized nutritional program, with the aim of promoting health status. In the experimental period (3 months), there was also a connection between the physical world (health care processes) and the digital world (app). All participants had their body composition and cardiovascular variables measured. They also underwent calcaneal densitometry to determine bone quality. Descriptive statistics, correlations and analysis of variance were performed (by a researcher who was not involved in the data collection) to study the changes between before and after interventions, as well as to make a comparison between treatments. RESULTS The use of an app, in which there exist a prediction of the evolution, messages of results and advice, among others, mediated by the assistance of dietitians/nutritionists and sports scientists, had a positive impact on the improvement of health parameters, showing significant differences in all variables except troponin. CONCLUSIONS The combination of healthy habits with the use of the app provided benefits, improving health.
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Yamamoto K, Ito M, Sakata M, Koizumi S, Hashisako M, Sato M, Stoyanov SR, Furukawa TA. Japanese Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS): Development and Validation. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e33725. [PMID: 35197241 PMCID: PMC9052018 DOI: 10.2196/33725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of mobile health (mHealth) apps continues to rise each year. Widespread use of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) has allowed objective and multidimensional evaluation of the quality of these apps. However, no Japanese version of MARS has been made available to date. Objective The purposes of this study were (1) to develop a Japanese version of MARS and (2) to assess the translated version’s reliability and validity in evaluating mHealth apps. Methods To develop the Japanese version of MARS, cross-cultural adaptation was used using a universalist approach. A total of 50 mental health apps were evaluated by 2 independent raters. Internal consistency and interrater reliability were then calculated. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed using multitrait scaling analysis and concurrent validity. Results After cross-cultural adaptation, all 23 items from the original MARS were included in the Japanese version. Following translation, back-translation, and review by the author of the original MARS, a Japanese version of MARS was finalized. Internal consistency was acceptable by all subscales of objective and subjective quality (Cronbach α=.78-.89). Interrater reliability was deemed acceptable, with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranging from 0.61 to 0.79 for all subscales, except for “functionality,” which had an ICC of 0.40. Convergent/divergent validity and concurrent validity were also considered acceptable. The rate of missing responses was high in several items in the “information” subscale. Conclusions A Japanese version of MARS was developed and shown to be reliable and valid to a degree that was comparable to the original MARS. This Japanese version of MARS can be used as a standard to evaluate the quality and credibility of mHealth apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Yamamoto
- Departments of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan.,Research Unit, Institute for Airway Disease, Takarazuka, Japan
| | - Masami Ito
- Departments of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Sakata
- Departments of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shiho Koizumi
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Sato
- Organ Transplantation Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stoyan R Stoyanov
- Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Departments of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Martinon P, Saliasi I, Bourgeois D, Smentek C, Dussart C, Fraticelli L, Carrouel F. Nutrition-Related Mobile Apps in the French App Stores: Assessment of Functionality and Quality. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e35879. [PMID: 35285817 PMCID: PMC8961341 DOI: 10.2196/35879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of disease attributes 20% of deaths to poor nutrition. Although hundreds of nutrition-related mobile apps have been created, and these have been downloaded by millions of users, the effectiveness of these technologies on the adoption of healthy eating has had mixed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review which nutrition-related mobile apps are currently available on the French market and assess their quality. METHODS We screened apps on the Google Play Store and the French Apple App Store, from March 10 to 17, 2021, to identify those related to nutritional health. A shortlist of 15 apps was identified, and each was assessed using the French version of the Mobile App Rating Scale: 8 dietitians and nutritionists assessed 7 apps, and the remaining apps were randomly allocated to ensure 4 assessments per app. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate interrater agreement. Means and standard deviations of scores for each section and each item were calculated. RESULTS The top scores for overall quality were obtained by Yazio - Régime et Calories (mean 3.84, SD 0.32), FeelEat (mean 3.71, SD 0.47), and Bonne App (mean 3.65, SD 0.09). Engagement scores ranged from a mean of 1.95 (SD 0.5) for iEatBetter: Journal alimentaire to a mean of 3.85 (SD 0.44) for FeelEat. Functionality scores ranged from a mean of 2.25 (SD 0.54) for Naor to a mean of 4.25 (SD 0.46) for Yazio. Aesthetics scores ranged from a mean of 2.17 (SD 0.34) for Naor to a mean of 3.88 (SD 0.47) for Yazio. Information scores ranged from a mean of 2.38 (SD 0.60) for iEatBetter to a mean of 3.73 (SD 0.29) for Yazio. Subjective quality scores ranged from a mean of 1.13 (SD 0.25) for iEatBetter to a mean of 2.28 (SD 0.88) for Compteur de calories FatSecret. Specificity scores ranged from a mean of 1.38 (SD 0.64) for iEatBetter to a mean of 3.50 (SD 0.91) for FeelEat. The app-specific score was always lower than the subjective quality score, which was always lower than the quality score, which was lower than the rating from the iOS or Android app stores. CONCLUSIONS Although prevention and information messages in apps regarding nutritional habits are not scientifically verified before marketing, we found that app quality was good. Subjective quality and specificity were associated with lower ratings. Further investigations are needed to assess whether information from these apps is consistent with recommendations and to determine the long-term impacts of these apps on users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prescilla Martinon
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ina Saliasi
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Denis Bourgeois
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Colette Smentek
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Claude Dussart
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Florence Carrouel
- Health, Systemic, Process UR 4129 Research Unit, University Claude Bernard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
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