scholarly journals Longitudinal trends in the quality, effectiveness and attributes of highly rated smartphone health apps

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Mercurio ◽  
Mark Larsen ◽  
Hannah Wisniewski ◽  
Philip Henson ◽  
Sarah Lagan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
High Turnover ◽  
Medical Claims ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

BackgroundWhile there are numerous mental health apps on the market today, less is known about their safety and quality. This study aims to offer a longitudinal perspective on the nature of high visibility apps for common mental health and physical health conditions.MethodsIn July 2019, we selected the 10 top search-returned apps in the Apple App Store and Android Google Play Store using six keyword terms: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addiction, high blood pressure and diabetes. Each app was downloaded by two authors and reviewed by a clinician, and the app was coded for features, functionality, claims, app store properties, and other properties.ResultsCompared with 1 year prior, there were few statistically significant changes in app privacy policies, evidence and features. However, there was a high rate of turnover with only 34 (57%) of the apps from the Apple’s App Store and 28 (47%) from the Google Play Store remaining in the 2019 top 10 search compared with the 2018 search.DiscussionAlthough there was a high turnover of top search-returned apps between 2018 and 2019, we found that there were few significant changes in features, privacy, medical claims and other properties. This suggests that, although the highly visible and available apps are changing, there were no significant improvements in app quality or safety.

scholarly journals Mobile Health Apps for Medical Emergencies: Systematic Review

10.2196/18513 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e18513
Author(s):  
Alejandro Plaza Roncero ◽  
Gonçalo Marques ◽  
Beatriz Sainz-De-Abajo ◽  
Francisco Martín-Rodríguez ◽  
Carlos del Pozo Vegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
App Store ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
Medical Emergencies ◽  
Google Play

Background Mobile health apps are used to improve the quality of health care. These apps are changing the current scenario in health care, and their numbers are increasing. Objective We wanted to perform an analysis of the current status of mobile health technologies and apps for medical emergencies. We aimed to synthesize the existing body of knowledge to provide relevant insights for this topic. Moreover, we wanted to identify common threads and gaps to support new challenging, interesting, and relevant research directions. Methods We reviewed the main relevant papers and apps available in the literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was used in this review. The search criteria were adopted using systematic methods to select papers and apps. On one hand, a bibliographic review was carried out in different search databases to collect papers related to each application in the health emergency field using defined criteria. On the other hand, a review of mobile apps in two virtual storage platforms (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) was carried out. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store are related to the Android and iOS operating systems, respectively. Results In the literature review, 28 papers in the field of medical emergency were included. These studies were collected and selected according to established criteria. Moreover, we proposed a taxonomy using six groups of applications. In total, 324 mobile apps were found, with 192 identified in the Google Play Store and 132 identified in the Apple App Store. Conclusions We found that all apps in the Google Play Store were free, and 73 apps in the Apple App Store were paid, with the price ranging from US $0.89 to US $5.99. Moreover, 39% (11/28) of the included studies were related to warning systems for emergency services and 21% (6/28) were associated with disaster management apps.

scholarly journals Beta Inflated Regression Models on the Physical and Mental Health of Nigerian Stroke Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-312
Author(s):  
KS Oritogun ◽  
OO Oyewole
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health Risk Factors

Background: Stroke is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Physical and mental health data of stroke survivors are often expressed in proportions. Therefore, the Beta Regression models family for data between zero and one will be appropriate. Objectives: To identify a suitable model and the likely risk factors of physical and mental health of stroke survivors. Method: Secondary data of stroke survivors from two tertiary health Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria, were analysed. Inflated Beta (BEINF) and Inflated-at-one-Beta (BEINF1) models were compared using Deviance (DEV), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) for model selection. The model with minimum DEV, AIC and BIC was considered to be better. Results: The deviance (-86.0604,), AIC (-46.0604) and BIC (6.4391) values of the BEINF1 model for physical health and the deviance (-20.1217), AIC (19.8783) and BIC (72.3778) values of BEINF1 model for mental health were smaller than BEINF models. Therefore, BEINF1 was the better model to identify the health risk factors of stroke survivors. Age, marital status, diastolic blood pressure, disability duration and systolic blood pressure had a significant association with physical health, while BMI had a significant positive association with mental health.  Conclusion: The beta-inflated-at-one (BEINF1) model is suitable for identifying health risk factors of stroke survivors when the outcome variable is a proportion. Both demographic and clinical characteristics were significantly associated with the health of stroke survivors. This study would assist researchers in knowing the appropriate model for analysing proportion or percentage response variables.

m-Health solutions for perinatal mental health: a systematic search and appraisal following the App Evaluation Model (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedetta Spadaro ◽  
Nayra Anna Martin-Key ◽  
Erin Funnell ◽  
Sabine Bahn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Mental Health Assessment ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Currently, the screening of perinatal mental health symptoms is confined to maternity and primary care settings. Critically, the ever-increasing pressure on healthcare systems has resulted in under-recognition of perinatal mental disorders. Digital mental health tools, such as applications (apps) could provide an option for accessible perinatal mental health screening and assessments. However, there is a lack of information regarding the availability and effectiveness of perinatal app options. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the current state of diagnostic and screening apps for perinatal mental health available on the Google Play store (Android) and Apple App store (iOS), and to review their features following the App Evaluation Model framework. METHODS A systematic review approach was used to identify perinatal mental health assessment apps on the Apple App store and Google Play store. 14 apps met inclusion criteria, were downloaded, and reviewed in a standardized manner using the App Evaluation Model framework. The framework comprised 107 questions allowing for a comprehensive assessment of app origin, functionality, engagement features, security, and clinical use. RESULTS The majority of apps were developed by for-profit companies (n=10), followed by private individuals (n=2), and trusted healthcare companies (n=2). Three apps were only available on Android devices, four were available only on iOS devices, and seven on both platforms. Approximately a third of apps (n=5) had been updated within the last 180 days. Most apps did not have enough reviews to display average ratings. Twelve apps offered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in its original version or in rephrased versions. Additionally, one app included screening scales for anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Engagement, input, and output features included reminder notifications, connection to therapists, and free writing features. Six apps offered psychoeducational information or references. Privacy policies were available for 11 of the 14 apps, with a median Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level of 12.3 One app claimed to be compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act standards, two apps claimed to be General Data Protection Regulation compliant. Of the apps that could be accessed in full (n=10), all appeared to fulfil the claims stated in their description. Only one app referenced a relevant peer-reviewed study. All the apps provided a warning for use highlighting that the mental health assessment result should not be interpreted as a diagnosis nor as a substitute for medical care, hence all the apps were regarded as reference apps and not self-help tools. Only three apps allowed users to export or email their mental health test results. CONCLUSIONS These results support the view that there is space for designing and improving perinatal mental health applications. To this end, we recommend three areas of focus for app developers and clinicians looking to design apps for perinatal mental health assessment.

Abstract 13206: Blood Pressure Apps: Do They Educate the Lay Public About Risk Factors?

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arunima Vijay ◽  
Gloria Wu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Hypertension Risk ◽  
Apple Ios ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
Google Play ◽  
Lay Public ◽  
Mood Depression

Introduction: Hypertension affects 108 million Americans. To help track and manage hypertension, there are many free and popular mobile health apps that track BP. Hypothesis: BP tracking mobile health apps have many downloads but do not fully educate the public about hypertension risk factors. Methods: “Blood Pressure” as a search term was used in the Google Play and Apple iOS stores to identify the most popular, free BP tracking apps aimed at the lay public. The top 10 most popular, free apps on each store were evaluated for educating the lay public on hypertension risk factors. Inclusion criteria: top 10 free blood pressure (BP) apps, by highest number of downloads on Google Play and highest rating (out of five stars) on Apple iOS Store (no available data on iOS downloads). Exclusion criteria: non-English, requiring a wearable device, primary purpose other BP tracking. Results: Of top 20 apps: BP log: 19/20, BP ranges: 13/20, height: 5/20, weight: 8/20, BMI: 3/20, race: 1/20, gender: 4/20, age: 6/20, diet: 1/20, exercise: 1/20, medication: 4/20, diabetes: 1/20, FBS: 1/20, goals: 3/20, mood/depression: 1/20. 2 apps mentioned the American Heart Association (AHA). None of the apps had information on cvriskcalculator.com, family history, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, HbA1c, and alcohol use. Conclusion: Most free and popular BP apps monitor BP but largely ignore hypertension risk factors such as cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, alcohol intake, mood/depression, race, and gender. Furthermore, 7/20 apps do not uniformly educate patients that a normal BP is <120/<80, in accordance with the AHA and ACC guidelines. More collaboration may be needed between physicians and software developers to educate and meet the needs of our hypertensive patients in America.

scholarly journals Health Conditions, Access to Care, Mental Health, and Wellness Behaviors in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Richard S. Henry ◽  
Paul B. Perrin ◽  
Ashlee Sawyer ◽  
Mickeal Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Health Care Facility ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Bisexual And Transgender

This study examined relationships among wellness behaviors, physical health conditions, mental health, health insurance, and access to care among a sample of 317 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. Participants completed a web-administered survey from May 2013 to April 2014. Of the sample, 41.6% of the participants reported having one or more health conditions. Most participants (92.1%) reported access to a health care facility and current health insurance coverage (84.9%), though 24.9% of those with health insurance reported being incapable of paying the copayments. Physical health conditions, age, and self-esteem explained 24% of the variance in engagement in wellness behaviors; older age, a greater number of health conditions, higher self-esteem, possession of health insurance, and ability to access to care were associated with increased wellness behaviors. Providing affordable insurance coverage, improving access to care, and properly treating mental health in LGBT individuals could improve wellness behaviors.

scholarly journals The impact of eHealth group interventions on the mental, behavioral, and physical health of adults: a systematic review protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L. Currie ◽  
Richard Larouche ◽  
M. Lauren Voss ◽  
Erin K. Higa ◽  
Rae Spiwak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has resulted in an increased demand for eHealth services globally. There is emerging evidence for the efficacy for group eHealth interventions that support population-based mental health and wellbeing, but a systematic review is lacking. The primary objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence for eHealth group counseling and coaching programs for adults. A second objective is to assess, within studies selected for our primary objective, the impact of programs that encourage PA on outcomes compared to those that do not. Methods Randomized controlled trials that assess the impact of eHealth group counseling or coaching programs on mental health, health behavior, or physical health activity among community-dwelling adults will be included. We will search the following electronic databases (from January 2005 onwards): MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, and the Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcomes will be changes in mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life), behavioral health conditions (e.g., substance use, smoking, sexual behavior, eating behavior, medication adherence), and physical health conditions (e.g., coping with cancer, menopausal symptoms, arthritis pain). Secondary outcomes will be changes in physical activity. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis will be conducted. The strength of the body of evidence will be assessed using GRADE. The risk of bias in individual studies will be appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Potential sources of gender bias in included studies will be considered at all stages of the planned review. Discussion This review will contribute to the literature by providing evidence on the effectiveness of eHealth counseling and coaching programs delivered to adults in a group format. Systematic review registration The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020187551).

Greenspace to facilitate the positive physical activity and mental health outcomes of older adults in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G Gavarkovs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Current System ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

The link between physical inactivity and poor health outcomes is well established. Older adults are especially at risk for many health conditions, and are one of the most inactive populations in Canada. Increasing levels of neighbourhood greenness has shown a positive relationship with walking and exercise behaviours, which in turn affects both mental and physical health. Currently in Ontario, the provincial Planning Act outlines the process of parkland dedication that individual municipalities are responsible for carrying out. This policy brief will discuss the inadequacies of the current system in effectively creating greenspace for older adults, and will propose several recommendations to resolve these issues.

scholarly journals Responding to challenges for people with psychotic illness: Updated evidence from the Survey of High Impact Psychosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera A Morgan ◽  
Anna Waterreus ◽  
Vaughan Carr ◽  
David Castle ◽  
Martin Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
High Impact ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Psychotic Illness ◽  
Violent Victimisation

Objective: The objective is to summarise recent findings from the 2010 Australian Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP) and examine their implications for future policy and planning to improve mental health, physical health and other circumstances of people with a psychotic disorder. Methods: Survey of High Impact Psychosis collected nationally representative data on 1825 people with psychotic illness. Over 60 papers have been published covering key challenges reported by participants: financial problems, loneliness and social isolation, unemployment, poor physical health, uncontrolled symptoms of mental illness, and lack of stable, suitable housing. Findings are summarised under the rubric of participant-ranked top challenges. Results: The main income source for the majority (85%) of participants was a government benefit. Only one-third was employed, and the most appropriate employment services for this group were under-utilised. High rates of loneliness and social isolation impacted mental and physical health. The rate of cardiometabolic disease was well above the general population rate, and associated risk factors were present from a very young age. Childhood abuse (30.6%), adult violent victimisation (16.4%) and alcohol and substance abuse/dependence (lifetime rates of 50.5% and 54.5%, respectively) complicated the clinical profile. Treatment with medication was suboptimal, with physical health conditions undertreated, a high rate of psychotropic polypharmacy and underutilisation of clozapine in chronic persistent psychotic illness. Only 38.6% received evidence-based psychosocial therapies. In the previous year, 27.4% had changed housing and 12.8% had been homeless, on average for 155 days. Conclusion: Money, social engagement and employment are the most important challenges for people with psychotic illness, as well as good physical and mental health. An integrated approach to recovery is needed to optimise service delivery and augment evidence-based clinical practice with measures to improve physical health and social circumstances. Meeting these challenges has the potential to reduce costs to government and society, as well as promote recovery.

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