Preliminary assessment of content, behavior change techniques, and quality of pregnancy apps in Spain: Systematic search on app stores (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aranzazu Muñoz-Mancisidor ◽  
Ruben Martin-Payo ◽  
Xana Gonzalez-Mendez ◽  
María Del Mar Fernández-Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Behavior Strategies

BACKGROUND Women consult information in mobile apps (apps) during pregnancy, and even obstetrics specialists highlight that pregnancy is the ideal moment for the use of apps as consultation sources. However, the high number of apps designed for pregnancy requires a careful assessment to determine their suitability before recommendation. OBJECTIVE To identify the apps available in Spanish that can be recommended based on their content, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and quality as a complementary tool during pregnancy. METHODS A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed in the Apple App Store and Google Play, and the subject term pregnancy. The apps meeting the following criteria were chosen: i. pregnancy-related content; ii. free; iii. available in Spanish. They were excluded if: i. the app was classified as game/entertainment, and therefore had no educational or health aim; iii. they did not target the population under study. The selected apps were downloaded, and their quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), the BCTs included using the taxonomy Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy v.1 and its content. RESULTS A total of 457 apps were identified, 25 of which were downloaded for assessment (5.6%). The median for objective and subjective quality was 2.94 (IR=2,71-3.46) and 1.75 (IR=1.25-2.25) respectively. Regarding content, the median of topics included in the apps was 23 (IR=16050-23.50) being weight gain, nutrition, fetal development and physical activity the most common. The median number of BCTs was 12 (RI=0.50-3.50). Statistically significant correlations were observed between objective quality and content (0.634), subjective quality and content (0.641), objective quality and BCTs (0.672), subjective quality and BCT (0.623), and BCTs and content (0.563). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that only a small percentage of free pregnancy apps available in Spanish should be recommended. The apps with the best quality score were those where a higher number of topics were addressed and included a larger quantity of BCT. While apps can potentially influence pregnant women’s behavior and contribute to pregnancy, a previous assessment of their content, quality, and behavior strategies is necessary in order to determine which apps could potentially be beneficial, and therefore, can be recommended.

scholarly journals Assessing the Quality of skin Healthcare Mobile Apps: a systematic review and scoring using the MARS

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Woo ◽  
G h Kim ◽  
Y w Kim
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Static Correlation

Abstract Background With the number of skin healthcare-related apps users increasing, the selection of high-quality apps is not a simple task. The aim of this study was to (1)describe the content of available skin healthcare apps, (2)evaluate their objective quality regarding engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information and subjective quality. Methods The App Store and Google Play store were systematically searched to identify skin healthcare mobile apps for general population use. Eligible apps were downloaded and independently evaluated for quality by 4 reviewers using the Mobile App Rating Scale(MARS). The MARS is the only currently available tool that provides a comprehensive, multidimensional evaluation of app quality. MARS assesses the dimensions of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality on 5-point scales. In addition, the correlation between MARS score and user score was analyzed. Results The overall 37 apps obtained a mean quality score of 2.77(SD.62). 'Trove skin(Android: 4.13)' received the highest score, while 'Complete Beauty Guides(Android: 1.8)' received the lowest score. User scores were found to have no significant correlation between overall quality scores through MARS and content scores(r= .240, p= .153)(r= .290, p= .081), the overall quality score through MARS and the Content Score were significant static correlation(r= .487, p= .002). Conclusions As the use, and introduction, of mobile apps continue to grow, it will become increasingly important for consumers to adopt high-quality apps. Understanding the effectiveness of high-quality apps compared with low-quality apps can make it easier and more accurate for consumers decisions about using related to skin healthcare apps. Furthermore, qualities of apps that ranked higher could be used to improve existing apps or help with the development of new ones. Key messages Consumers refer to the User Score when selecting skin healthcare-related apps. However, User Score was not correlated with MARS content quality assessment scores evaluated by experts. This study is a significant help that enables consumers to select good-quality skin healthcare apps by high-quality content information through MARS.

Patient-facing Mobile Applications to Support Physiotherapy Care: Protocol for a Systematic Review of Apps (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Merolli ◽  
Jillian Francis ◽  
Patrick Vallance ◽  
Kim Bennell ◽  
Peter Malliaras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Care Protocol

BACKGROUND Care delivered by physiotherapists aims to facilitate positive health behaviors by patients (e.g. adherence to exercise). However, research suggests that behavioral interventions are frequently omitted from care. Hence, better understanding of strategies that can be used by physiotherapists to support patients to engage in positive behaviors are important and likely to optimise outcomes. Digital health interventions delivered via mobile applications (apps) are garnering attention for their ability to support behavior change. They have the potential to incorporate numerous behavior change techniques to support goals of physiotherapy care; including (but not limited to): self-monitoring, goal setting, and prompts/alerts. Despite their potential to support physiotherapy care, much is still unknown about what apps are available, the behavior change techniques they use, their quality, and their potential to change behaviors. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this systematic review is to describe what mobile apps intended for use by patients are available to support physiotherapy care, including the behavior change techniques within these apps. The secondary aims are to evaluate the quality and behavior change potential of these apps. METHODS A systematic review of apps in app stores will be undertaken. This will follow recommendations for reviews in line with the PRISMA statement, which has been adapted to suit our app store search. Apple Store and Google Play will be searched with a two-step search strategy, using terms relevant to physiotherapy, physiotherapists, and common physiotherapy care. Key eligibility will be that apps are intended for use by patients, and are self-contained or, stand-alone without the need of additional wearable devices or other add-ons. Included apps will be coded for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and rated for quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and potential to change behavior using the App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS). RESULTS The protocol is registered to PROSPERO. App screening and inclusion has started, and data extraction is expected to commence by March, 2021. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge gained from this review will support clinical practice, as well as informing research, by providing a greater understanding about the quality of currently available mobile apps and their potential to support patient behaviour change goals of physiotherapy care.

Behavior change techniques in mobile apps targeting self-harm in young people: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Panagiotopoulou ◽  
Celeste Peiris ◽  
Daniel Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Despite the high prevalence of self-harm among young people, as well as their extensive use of mobile apps for seeking support with their mental healthcare, it is unclear whether the design of mobile apps aimed at targeting self-harm is underpinned by behavior change techniques (BCTs). To systematically analyze and identify (a) what BCTs and (b) what theories are present in self-harm apps for young people in an attempt to understand their active components. Systematic searches in Apple store, followed by thorough screening, were conducted to identify free mobile apps targeting self-harm in young people. Five apps met the inclusion criteria and were used by trained researchers, who coded identified features against the BCT Taxonomy V1. Despite the majority of apps being underpinned by principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), no other information is available about specific theories underpinning these apps. Nineteen of the 93 BCTs were identified across the five apps. The most frequently used BCT was “Distraction” (54.2%), offering ideas for activities to distract users from self-harming. Other techniques that were used often were “Social Support (unspecified)” (27.0%) and “Behavior Substitution” (10.6%). This study provides the first analysis of BCTs present in mental health apps which are designed to target the reduction of self-harm in young people. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the apps, as well as assess the effectiveness of the BCTs present.

scholarly journals The Effects of Gamification and Oral Self-Care on Oral Hygiene in Children: Systematic Search in App Stores and Evaluation of Apps (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nino Fijačko ◽  
Lucija Gosak ◽  
Leona Cilar ◽  
Alenka Novšak ◽  
Ruth Masterson Creber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Evidence Based Dentistry

BACKGROUND Poor oral hygiene is a great public health problem worldwide. Oral health care education is a public health priority as the maintenance of oral hygiene is integral to overall health. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene among children is challenging and can be supported by using relevant motivational approaches. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to identify mobile smartphone apps that include gamification features focused on motivating children to learn, perform, and maintain optimal oral hygiene. METHODS We searched six online app stores using four search terms (“oral hygiene game,” “oral hygiene gamification,” “oral hygiene brush game,” and “oral hygiene brush gamification”). We identified gamification features, identified whether apps were consistent with evidence-based dentistry, performed a quality appraisal with the Mobile App Rating Scale user version (uMARS), and quantified behavior scores (Behavior Change score, uMARS score, and Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Refined [CALO-RE] score) using three different instruments that measure behavior change. RESULTS Of 612 potentially relevant apps included in the analysis, 17 met the inclusion criteria. On average, apps included 6.87 (SD 4.18) out of 31 possible gamification features. The most frequently used gamification features were time pressure (16/17, 94%), virtual characters (14/17, 82%), and fantasy (13/17, 76%). The most common oral hygiene evidence-based recommendation was brushing time (2-3 minutes), which was identified in 94% (16/17) of apps. The overall mean uMARS score for app quality was high (4.30, SD 0.36), with good mean subjective quality (3.79, SD 0.71) and perceived impact (3.58, SD 0.44). Sufficient behavior change techniques based on three taxonomies were detected in each app. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the analyzed oral hygiene apps included gamification features and behavior change techniques to perform and maintain oral hygiene in children. Overall, the apps contained some educational content consistent with evidence-based dentistry and high-quality background for oral self-care in children; however, there is scope for improvement.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Apps for Food Allergies or Intolerances in App Stores: Systematic Search and Quality Assessment Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floriana Mandracchia ◽  
Elisabet Llauradó ◽  
Lucia Tarro ◽  
Rosa Maria Valls ◽  
Rosa Solà
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Critical Points ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Specific Section

BACKGROUND Food allergies and intolerances are increasing worldwide, and mobile phone apps could be a promising tool for self-management of these issues. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systemically search and assess food allergy or intolerance apps in app stores using the multidimensional Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to rate the objective and subjective quality and to identify critical points for future improvements. METHODS This systematic search identified apps through the keywords “food allergy,” “food intolerance,” and “allergens” in English, Spanish, and Italian in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). The inclusion criteria were a user star rating of ≥3 (of 5 stars) to limit the selection to the most highly rated apps; ≥1000 reviews as an indicator of reliability; and the most recent update performed up to 2017. Then, the apps were divided according to their purpose (searching for allergen-free “food products,” “restaurants,” or recipes in “meal planners”) and evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 points using the MARS in terms of (1) app classification category with a descriptive aim; (2) app subjective and objective quality categories comprised of engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information sections (Medline was searched for eligible apps to check whether they had been tested in trials); and (3) an optional app-specific section. Furthermore, the output and input features were evaluated. Differences between MARS sections and between app purposes and correlations among MARS sections, star ratings, and numbers of reviews were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 1376 apps identified, 14 were included: 12 related to food allergies and intolerances that detect 2-16 food allergens and 2 related only to gluten intolerance. The mean (SD) MARS scores (maximum 5 points) were 3.8 (SD 0.4) for objective quality, highlighting whether any app had been tested in trials; 3.5 (SD 0.6) for subjective quality; and 3.6 (SD 0.7) for the app-specific section. Therefore, a rating ≥3 points indicated overall acceptable quality. From the between-section comparison, engagement (mean 3.5, SD 0.6) obtained significantly lower scores than functionality (mean 4.1, SD 0.6), esthetics (mean 4, SD 0.5), and information (mean 3.8, SD 0.4). However, when the apps were compared by purpose, critical points were identified: meal planner apps showed significantly higher engagement (mean 4.1, SD 0.4) than food product (mean 3.0, SD 0.6; <i>P</i>=.05) and restaurant (mean 3.2, SD 0.3; <i>P</i>=.02) apps. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic search of food allergy or intolerance apps, acceptable MARS quality was identified, although the engagement section for food product and restaurant purpose apps should be improved and the included apps should be tested in trials. The critical points identified in this systematic search can help improve the innovativeness and applicability of future food allergy and intolerance apps.

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Clinical Skills Mobile Apps for Student Learning: Systematic Search, Analysis, and Comparison of Two Measurement Scales (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Gladman ◽  
Grace Tylee ◽  
Steve Gallagher ◽  
Jonathan Mair ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
High Quality

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are widely used in health professions, which increases the need for simple methods to determine the quality of apps. In particular, teachers need the ability to curate high-quality mobile apps for student learning. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically search for and evaluate the quality of clinical skills mobile apps as learning tools. The quality of apps meeting the specified criteria was evaluated using two measures—the widely used Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which measures general app quality, and the Mobile App Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a recently developed instrument that measures the value of apps for student learning—to assess whether MARuL is more effective than MARS in identifying high-quality apps for learning. METHODS Two mobile app stores were systematically searched using clinical skills terms commonly found in medical education and apps meeting the criteria identified using an approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 9 apps were identified during the screening process. The apps were rated independently by 2 reviewers using MARS and MARuL. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the 2 raters using MARS and MARuL were the same (MARS ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 and MARuL ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Of the 9 apps, Geeky Medics-OSCE revision (MARS Android=3.74; MARS iOS=3.68; MARuL Android=75; and MARuL iOS=73) and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision (MARS Android=3.79; MARS iOS=3.71; MARuL Android=69; and MARuL iOS=73) scored highly on both measures of app quality and for both Android and iOS. Both measures also showed agreement for the lowest rated app, Patient Education Institute (MARS Android=2.21; MARS iOS=2.11; MARuL Android=18; and MARuL iOS=21.5), which had the lowest scores in all categories except information (MARS) and professional (MARuL) in both operating systems. MARS and MARuL were both able to differentiate between the highest and lowest quality apps; however, MARuL was better able to differentiate apps based on teaching and learning quality. CONCLUSIONS This systematic search and rating of clinical skills apps for learning found that the quality of apps was highly variable. However, 2 apps—Geeky Medics-OSCE revision and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision—rated highly for both versions and with both quality measures. MARS and MARuL showed similar abilities to differentiate the quality of the 9 apps. However, MARuL’s incorporation of teaching and learning elements as part of a multidimensional measure of quality may make it more appropriate for use with apps focused on teaching and learning, whereas MARS’s more general rating of quality may be more appropriate for health apps targeting a general health audience. Ratings of the 9 apps by both measures also highlighted the variable quality of clinical skills mobile apps for learning. CLINICALTRIAL

Nutrition-Related Mobile Apps in the French App Store: Assessment of Functionality and Quality (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Carrouel ◽  
Prescilla Martinon ◽  
Ina Saliasi ◽  
Denis Bourgeois ◽  
Colette Smenteck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Nutritional Health ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Poor Nutrition

BACKGROUND The global burden of disease attributes 20% of deaths to poor nutrition. Although hundreds of nutrition-related mobile applications have been created to help improve this situation and these have been downloaded by millions of users, the effectiveness of integrating these technologies on the adoption of healthy eating remains mixed. Similarly, no significant evaluation of nutrition applications in French, spoken by approximately 300 million people, has yet been identified in the literature. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to review which nutrition mobile apps are currently available on the French market, and to carry out an exhaustive assessment of their quality using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool. METHODS A screening of apps related to nutritional health was conducted from March 10 to 17, 2021, on the Google Play Store and the French App Store. A shortlist of 15 apps was identified and assessed using the French version of MARS. Eight dietitian nutritionists assigned to assess seven apps. Remaining apps were randomly allocated to ensure four ratings per app. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate inter-rater agreement. Mean ± SD scores and their distributions for each section and item were calculated. RESULTS The top scores for quality were obtained by Yazio (mean 3.84 ± standard deviation 0.32), FeelEat (3.71 ± 0.47) and BonneApp (3.65 ± 0.09). The engagement scores (Section A) ranged from 1.95 ± 0.5 for iEatBetter to 3.85 ± 0.44 for Feeleat. The functionality scores (Section B) ranged from 2.25 ± 0.54 for Naor to 4.25 ± 0.46 for Yazio. The Aesthetics scores (Section C) ranged from 2.17 ± 0.34 for Naor to 3.88 ± 0.47 for Yazio. The information scores (Section D) ranged from 2.38 ± 0.60 for iEatBetter:Journal alimentaire to 3.73 ± 0.29 for Yazio. The MARS subjective quality (Section E) varied from 1.13 ± 0.26 for Naor and 1.13 ± 0.25 iEatBetter:Journal alimentaire to 2.28 ± 0.88 for Compteur de calories Fatsecret. The specificity of apps varied from 1.38 ± 0.64 for iEatBetter:Journal alimentaire to 3.50 ± 0.91 for Feeleat. The app-specific score was always lower than the subjective quality score that was always lower than the quality score and that was lower than the rating score from the iOS or Android app stores. CONCLUSIONS Although the prevention and information messages regarding nutritional habits are not scientifically verified before marketing, dieteticians-nutritionists evaluated that the apps quality was quite relevant. The subjective quality and mobile app specificities were associated with lower ratings. Further investigations are needed to assess their alignment with recommendations and their long-term impact on users.

scholarly journals Behavior Change Techniques in Top-Ranked Mobile Apps for Physical Activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 649-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Conroy ◽  
Chih-Hsiang Yang ◽  
Jaclyn P. Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques

scholarly journals Quality, Functionality, and Features of Chinese Mobile Apps for Diabetes Self-Management: Systematic Search and Evaluation of Mobile Apps

10.2196/14836 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e14836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enying Gong ◽  
Zongmuyu Zhang ◽  
Xurui Jin ◽  
Yishan Liu ◽  
Lumin Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Inclusion Criteria

Background The emergence and advancement of mobile technologies offer a promising opportunity for people with diabetes to improve their self-management. Despite the proliferation of mobile apps, few studies have evaluated the apps that are available to the millions of people with diabetes in China. Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic search of Chinese mobile apps for diabetes self-management and to evaluate their quality, functionality, and features by using validated rating scales. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify Chinese apps for diabetes self-management in the four most popular Chinese language mobile app stores. Apps were included if they were designed for diabetes self-management and contained at least one of the following components: blood glucose management, dietary and physical activity management, medication taking, and prevention of diabetes-related comorbidities. Apps were excluded if they were unrelated to health, not in Chinese, or the targeted users are health care professionals. Apps meeting the identified inclusion criteria were downloaded and evaluated by a team of 5 raters. The quality, functionalities, and features of these apps were assessed by using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality score, and a checklist of self-management activities developed based on the Chinese diabetes self-management guideline, respectively. Results Among 2072 apps searched, 199 were eligible based on the inclusion criteria, and 67 apps were successfully downloaded for rating. These 67 apps had an average MARS score of 3.42 out of 5, and 76% (51/67) of the apps achieved an acceptable quality (MARS score >3.0). The scores for the four subdomains of MARS were 3.97 for functionality, 3.45 for aesthetics, 3.21 for information, and 3.07 for engagement. On average, reviewed apps applied five out of the 19 examined behavior change techniques, whereas the average score on the subjective quality for the potential impact on behavior change is 3 out of 5. In addition, the average score on IMS functionality was 6 out of 11. Functionalities in collecting, recording, and displaying data were mostly presented in the reviewed apps. Most of the apps were multifeatured with monitoring blood glucose and tracking lifestyle behaviors as common features, but some key self-management activities recommended by clinical guidelines, such as stress and emotional management, were rarely presented in these apps. Conclusions The general quality of the reviewed apps for diabetes self-management is suboptimal, although the potential for improvement is significant. More attention needs to be paid to the engagement and information quality of these apps through co-design with researchers, public health practitioners, and consumers. There is also a need to promote the awareness of the public on the benefit and potential risks of utilizing health apps for self-management.

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