Smartphone apps facilitate the dissemination of resources to help people with bipolar disorder (BD) implement self-management strategies. However, current apps do not address all treatment outcomes valued by people with BD, nor are they designed with scalability in mind. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an alpha version of the co-designed PolarUs app, a self-guided intervention developed to support quality of life (QoL) self-monitoring and self-management in BD. North American residents with a confirmed diagnosis of BD used the iOS PolarUs app for 12 weeks. To assess feasibility, adherence rates were assessed, operationalized by completion of weekly in-app Brief Quality of Life in BD (QoL.BD) scores. Linear mixed modeling was used to test the hypothesis that QoL (primary outcome) would improve over the intervention period and explore secondary outcomes (i.e., mood symptoms, self-efficacy, subjective recovery, self-compassion). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to investigate associations between app adherence and primary outcomes. In 170 participants (70% women, mean age 39 years SD = 12.1) there was a steady decline in app adherence over the intervention period, with 37% of participants completing their final weekly assessment. However, significant improvements were observed overall for QoL, mood symptoms, and self-compassion. Four distinct app adherence clusters were observed, displaying varying relationships with baseline QoL and trajectories of QoL improvement. Preliminary adherence and efficacy data for the PolarUs app are positive and demonstrate how the inclusion of lived experience perspectives in app development supports intervention acceptability and impact.

With rapid advances in mobile technology, apps tailored for intercultural interactions are gaining attention as platforms that create opportunities for intercultural learning. This study employs a mixed-method design to investigate the factors that drive higher education students' willingness to continue using mobile apps, which creates the conditions under which intercultural competence may develop over time. Framed by the Technology Continuance Theory (TCT), the research established the extended TCT for developing intercultural competence (ETIC) that examines factors from technological, motivational, social, and psychological dimensions. Structural equation modeling results from 354 participants reveal that four external variables-namely, mobile application efficacy, growth mindset, subjective norms, and enjoyment-positively affect the traditional pathways of the theory, thereby enhancing the intent to persist with these tools. Additionally, thematic analysis of qualitative data uncovers the underlying reasons for these influences and provides deeper interpretations of the quantitative findings. These insights offer promising guidance for researchers, educators, and mobile apps developers in advancing technology-enhanced intercultural education.

As Saudi Arabia aims to enhance the adoption and utilization of mobile health (mHealth) apps in the health care sector, it is vital to identify the potential challenges that may be faced in the process and how to address them. This study aimed to explore patients' and stakeholders' perspectives regarding the privacy, security, and confidentiality of data collected via mHealth apps in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative research design was used by conducting an in-depth interview with 25 participants, comprising health care workers (HCWs), patients, and mHealth app developers. The interview questions focused on awareness of mHealth apps and issues relating to data security, privacy and confidentiality, benefits of mHealth apps, challenges faced, and features that may improve the utilization of such digital health technologies. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software (version 12; QSR International). Patients were relatively less informed regarding events associated with data privacy and security than HCWs. Specific factors were identified to influence patient awareness with HCWs, suggesting the need for patient education and collaboration with cybersecurity organizations. Participants posited that advanced security features, user-friendly features, online consultation for emergencies, remote monitoring features, and taking patient needs into account are important facilitators of mHealth apps. Shared experiences mainly revolved around the accessibility to information and reliability of mHealth apps, while the challenges were related to poor usability, technical difficulties, data security, and data breaches. Patient autonomy, remote monitoring, self-care management, medical adherence, and time and cost-saving summed up the perceived benefits of the mHealth app. These findings may assist policymakers in developing strategies to improve Saudi users' and patients' adoption of mHealth apps and address the concerns raised to benefit significantly from these advanced health care modalities.

The frequency of mobile terminal consumer credit usage has significantly increased, but some users exhibit signs of over-indebtedness or failure to fully recognize hidden costs. According to behavioral finance, it particularly focuses on two psychological aspects: people's fear of losing money and their susceptibility to the first number they see. For instance, borrowing apps like Huabei and Weilidai examine how they exploit these psychological tendencies to encourage users to borrow more, while also evaluating whether such practices comply with regulations. Research reveals: Huabei claims interest-free borrowing, while Weilidai breaks down monthly repayments into smaller amounts without clearly stating the total interest, effectively enticing users to borrow more—an approach that lacks regulatory compliance and deviates from the well-intentioned goal of making borrowing more accessible. Finally, recommendations are provided for borrowers, app developers, and regulatory agencies to enhance the reliability of mobile lending. The recommendations emphasize enhancing users' financial risk awareness, improving platform compliance and ethical responsibility, and strengthening regulatory supervision to prevent irrational borrowing and ensure responsible consumer credit practices.

This study investigates the role of mobile apps in preserving Nigerian indigenous languages and cultural narratives through digital storytelling. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quasi-experimental design and case studies across different Nigerian indigenous groups. Data collection methods include online questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and app analytics, targeting Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and other minority language communities. Quantitative analysis using SPSS compares the effectiveness of mobile apps to traditional language learning methods, while qualitative thematic analysis with NVivo explores the impact of digital storytelling on cultural narrative transmission. The study evaluates language proficiency gains, user engagement patterns, and community adoption of mobile technologies. Preliminary results indicate that mobile apps significantly enhance language learning outcomes compared to traditional methods, particularly among younger users. Digital storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, fostering intergenerational connections and increasing engagement with indigenous narratives. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on technology-assisted language preservation. The findings have practical implications for app developers, educators, and policymakers working to safeguard Nigeria's linguistic diversity. Future research could explore long-term impacts of these technologies on language revitalization efforts and expand the study to other indigenous contexts globally.

Abstract Introduction Gradual dosage reduction (tapering) is the recommended approach for reducing and/or stopping the use of psychiatric medication in order to minimise the risk of withdrawal symptoms. A previous James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership highlighted several gaps in the current evidence base on tapering psychiatric medication.[1] To date, the evidence base for mobile phone applications (‘apps’) and app-based interventions in supporting safe and effective discontinuation of psychiatric medications has not been examined. Aim To examine the content, underpinning evidence base, and impact of mobile phone apps and app-based interventions that focused on supporting the tapering of psychiatric medication. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline.[2] Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ACM, IEEE Xplore) and two app stores (Apple’s App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android)) were searched. To meet inclusion criteria, studies of any design identified from peer-reviewed literature (i.e. ‘non-commercial’ apps) and apps identified from searches of commercial app stores (i.e. ‘commercial’ apps) had to focus on supporting the tapering of psychiatric medication. Following screening, key information was extracted from included studies and apps. Identified apps were coded in terms of their functionalities and components of the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1). The findings were described using narrative synthesis. Results Seven apps met inclusion criteria comprising two non-commercial apps, and five commercial apps. Two non-commercial apps were evaluated using randomised controlled trials (RCTs); one RCT was ongoing and the other was stopped prematurely due to recruitment challenges. All seven apps focused on supporting the tapering of psychiatric medication. Eight functionalities and seventeen BCTs were identified across the seven included apps and app companion websites. The four most common BCT codes were: 1.3 ‘Goal setting (outcome), 2.3 ‘Self-monitoring of behaviour,’ 4.1 ‘Instructions on how to perform the behaviour,’ and 8.7 ‘Graded tasks.’ Most of the identified apps did not provide information about the app development process or specify any theoretical underpinning. Given the lack of reported outcomes for the evaluation studies of app-based interventions and commercial apps, it was not possible to report the impact from a qualitative or quantitative perspective. Conclusion This scoping review demonstrated a paucity of mobile phone apps and studies of app-based interventions that support tapering psychiatric medication. The review’s main strength was that it followed a published protocol, and data extraction and app coding was conducted by two reviewers independently. In terms of limitations, the lack of studies evaluating app-based interventions made it difficult to address the objective relating to the impact of the identified apps. By outlining the key functionalities offered by the identified apps and characterising them in terms of component BCTs, as well as raising awareness of the shortcomings of commercially available apps, the review findings will guide future research on the development and evaluation of apps to support individuals who want to reduce or stop psychiatric medication use.

Depression in older adults presents unique challenges in self-management. Digital tools, such as mobile health (mHealth) apps, have the potential to support this population. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to digital self-management in older adults with depression to inform the design of effective mHealth apps. This study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to digital self-management in older patients with depression with the aim of informing the design and development of mHealth apps for older adults. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 25 older patients with depression from July to September 2024. Semistructured interviews were conducted to capture real-life experiences. Directed content analysis ensured objective and accurate data interpretation, and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework were applied to identify facilitators and barriers related to behavior. Six themes were identified based on the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework: perception of illness and accumulation of personal experience; dual challenges of cognitive abilities and physical limitations; integration of digital technologies and acceptance differences; social influences and access to and utilization of support resources; environmental constraints and accommodations; and intertwined influences of beliefs, emotions, and motivation. A total of 13 barriers and 11 facilitators were identified. Digital self-management in older adults with depression is complex and influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Effective mHealth apps must integrate the cognitive, emotional, and social contexts of patients to provide user-friendly, personalized solutions.

The increase in mobile phone users led to increased attention toward mobile health apps. More than 10,000 mobile applications target mental health issues. This increased attention urged a study that provides a clear view of current research. However, there is a lack of recent studies on mobile sensing apps for mental health. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring the theoretical and practical methods and technical development of mobile apps. We reviewed 77 studies examining mobile sensing apps for mental health and classified them by research goal into Association, Detection, and Intervention apps. The paper investigates various themes, including targeted mental issues, sensing types, mental health indicators, goals, and focus. Our study revealed that most apps are designed for the Android platform, neglecting other platforms; there is a lack of comprehensive tools to study multiple health issues, and many studies did not take users’ privacy into account.

From play to pay: A systematic review of gamification in modern financial ecosystems.

This design case presents the development of a digital tool to foster young children’s data science learning in preschool classrooms. Recognizing the growing importance of data literacy, our cross-disciplinary team sought to integrate the affordances of digital, mobile, touchscreen technology, and best practices in digital app development with developmentally appropriate approaches to data science. As part of this effort, we designed the Preschool Data Toolbox, a tablet app that, with teacher support, allows children to complete data investigations by providing meaningful, kid-friendly questions they can answer with data. The app was designed to be used by teachers while also being developmentally appropriate for preschool children to both view and use directly. It supports the collection, organization, visualization, and analysis of data to help children answer questions, complete investigations, and create their own data stories to share findings. We share the development of the Preschool Data Toolbox as a design case that documents our attempt to create a demonstration project: a data science digital tool usable for young, preliterate preschool children with teacher support and adaptable to common preschool classroom practices. The goal of this design case is to document the design decisions and the team’s approach to developing a tool that is developmentally appropriate, instructionally meaningful, and technically feasible for teachers and children to use together in preschool classrooms. The case does not claim proof of effectiveness; rather, it examines the design goals we set, the constraints we encountered, and the extent to which the final product reflects those intentions.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are frequently used during pregnancy. As these medicines are often used without medical supervision, accessible and reliable safety information is essential. However, finding reliable and understandable information on the safety of these medicines during pregnancy is often experienced as difficult. Hence, there is a need for a new easily accessible electronic health (eHealth) tool that empowers women to actively seek information to support safer self-medication practices during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This study aimed to describe the development and dissemination process of a Dutch mobile app providing reliable safety information on OTC medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding using a development and formative evaluation approach. The app was developed over a 2-year project comprising 5 phases, including preparation, development, preimplementation, implementation, and evaluation. Mixed-method strategies, including questionnaires, focus groups, and user feedback rounds, were applied to involve the target population in the development process. Medicine safety information in the app was based on the latest scientific evidence. First-year app-usage outcomes included app downloads, usage patterns, and information-seeking behavior. Input from 253 potential users formed the foundation for the development of the MediMama app (Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb), with users expressing a need for clear, reliable, and easily accessible information on medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The app was launched on Mother's Day 2024 and provides safety information on over 250 OTC medicines, including supplements and herbal remedies, across 27 medicine categories. Promotion occurred through multiple online and offline channels. During its first year, the MediMama app was downloaded 22,415 times, with an average of 370 unique daily users, indicating substantial user engagement. Information on paracetamol (acetaminophen) and nasal sprays was most frequently accessed, reflecting the need for information on commonly used OTC medicines among the target population. One year after its launch, the MediMama app is considered a promising tool in maternity care, meeting the target population's need for accessible OTC medicine safety information. The app aims to support informed decision-making, contributing to safer medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation strategy, as well as the app's impact on maternal medication use behaviors and health outcomes.

Overweight and obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization, correspond to BMI values of 25-29.9 kg/m² for overweight and ≥30 kg/m² for obesity. Both conditions remain major public health challenges worldwide due to their strong link with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, which place a heavy clinical and economic burden on health care systems. In Canada, obesity rates are notably high, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected due to socioeconomic barriers, limited access to preventive care, and higher comorbidity rates. Calorie-counting Mobile health (mHealth) apps support dietary self-monitoring and weight control; however, varied designs and evidence complicate assessment of feasibility and effectiveness. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the structure and content of 46 calorie-counting apps, identify factors related to their acceptability and feasibility among adults living with obesity or weight-related chronic diseases, and formulate evidence-based recommendations for app developers, clinicians, and researchers. We conducted a scoping review of papers on calorie-counting apps published between January 2013 and March 2024. We identified 771 records and applied the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) eligibility criteria. Data on app functions, features, user engagement, and acceptability and feasibility among adults with overweight or related chronic conditions were synthesized to generate practical recommendations for designing and clinically implementing calorie-counting apps. A total of 68 studies met the inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials (23/68, 34%) and cohort studies (16/68, 24%) were the most common designs. Most studies targeted adults with overweight or obesity (53/68, 78%), while diabetes and hypertension were less frequently represented. In total, 46 distinct calorie-counting apps were identified, with MyFitnessPal and Lose It! being the most frequently studied. Nearly all apps (45/46, 98%) offered calorie logging, often through manual entry supported by food databases, and about half included goal-setting features. The most cited acceptability factors were personalization, automation, user-friendly design, and data sharing with health care professionals; barriers included technical issues, limited food databases, and manual entry. Adherence declined over time. For example, self-monitoring with MyFitnessPal decreased from 5.4 to 1.4 days per week from weeks 4 to 12, while use of Lose It! dropped to 4 days per week by the end of 12 weeks. Twelve recommendations were developed to enhance the feasibility and acceptability of calorie-counting apps for people living with weight-related chronic diseases. Calorie-counting apps hold potential as tools for supporting individuals living with obesity and weight-related chronic diseases. To improve clinical usability, app developers should enhance engagement via personalization and automation, ensuring food database comprehensiveness, and minimizing tracking effort. Further research should validate effectiveness and strategies for sustaining adherence, thereby informing development of user-friendly mHealth interventions.

120. Development of a pubertal stage centile calculator web app

BackgroundResearch indicates that university students experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) than the general population. In Uganda, existing psychological interventions for addressing SAD among students are primarily delivered face to face, which limits effective diagnosis and treatment due to stigma, a shortage of counselors, and long waiting times, which contribute to significant unmet mental health needs. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to improve access to mental health services.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a supportive SMS text messaging program (Wellness4Students [W4S]) in reducing the prevalence of SAD among university students in Uganda.MethodsThis study has a quantitative longitudinal research design. We will target 4494 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 years who will be recruited from Makerere University, Uganda. Through advertisements on social media platforms (WhatsApp and X [formerly known as Twitter]) and websites, students will receive a link to the W4S website with information about the intervention. Eligible students will voluntarily self-subscribe to the W4S program by providing their email addresses. The subscription will be an indicator of consent required for participation in receiving the intervention. Subscribers will receive daily supportive messages for 6 months. The data will be collected from subscribers at baseline (program initiation), 1 month, 3 months (midpoint), and 6 months (program completion) through web-based surveys. Students will complete questionnaires regarding SAD and well-being. We will conduct both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using STATA version 17.ResultsThe results of this study are expected within 1 year after program initiation. The data will be collected from February 2026 through October 2026. The development of the W4S app and the survey instrument has been completed. The cocreation of mental health messages with 15 undergraduate students and 2 university psychologists has been completed as of March 23, 2026. The roll-out of the program is scheduled for March 24, 2026.ConclusionsThe W4S intervention is feasible. The W4S program will provide essential insight into the prevalence and correlates of SAD among Makerere University students. We will identify students who are most at risk of poor mental health outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of smartphone apps in public health, but it has also revealed challenges in terms of user acceptance and trust, as well as the secure integration of medical data. To overcome these, the COMPASS initiative (Coordination on Mobile Pandemic Apps Best Practice and Solution Sharing)—part of the German Network University Medicine (NUM) program—developed a structured framework for the coordinated development and delivery of pandemic apps, with a focus on usability, accessibility, security, and scalability. By incorporating expertise from 9 university hospitals and external partners, COMPASS provided a modular approach to pandemic app development that balances technology, regulation, and public acceptance. The framework includes governance, best practices, compliance, research compatibility, interoperability, and a scalable technology platform. In addition, standardized app components and templates were created to support an effective pandemic response. Real-world validation was provided by study-specific apps such as the Mainz Gutenberg Study COVID-19 app (University Medical Center Mainz) and the SentiSurv app (University Medical Center Mainz), which generated nearly 1 million data points from over 25,000 participants. COMPASS successfully developed study-specific apps, improved core functionalities, and contributed to larger digital health projects such as the InnovationHub CAEHR. Beyond its immediate applications, COMPASS serves as a scalable blueprint for future mobile health solutions, with a focus on data protection, user trust, and open-source collaboration. By integrating important technological, ethical, and user-oriented considerations, it sets a new standard for digital health innovation and ensures sustainable and widely accepted pandemic preparedness.

This retrospective study of 428 patients with acute ischemic stroke at a county-level hospital in China found that implementing the Xheart novel mobile app significantly reduced the median door-to-needle time from 52 to 38 minutes (P<.001) and was associated with lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores 24 hours after thrombolysis (P=.02), indicating the potential of mobile health technologies to improve the emergency management of patients with acute ischemic stroke in resource-constrained settings.

Due to the colonization of tobacco plants by European settlers and the subsequent intensive marketing of commercial tobacco products to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the United States, commercial cigarette smoking accounts for half of all deaths among AI/AN people. Limited awareness, access to treatment, and the absence of culturally relevant, effective smoking cessation interventions contribute to these high death rates. This study aims to culturally adapt iCanQuit, a smartphone smoking cessation app proven efficacious for the general population, for AI/AN people. A user-centered and community-based participatory research (CBPR) mixed methods approach was applied to culturally adapt iCanQuit for AI/AN people in collaboration with a community advisory board (CAB) of AI/AN individuals using a 3-step process. Step 1 identified ways to culturally adapt the iCanQuit for AI/AN people through 1-on-1 qualitative interviews with 8 prior iCanQuit AI/AN participants. Step 2 involved developing prototypes of cultural refinements identified in step 1 through regular biweekly meetings of the CAB, research, and app development teams. The prototypes were then evaluated with a separate group of 4 prior iCanQuit AI/AN participants through 1-on-1 qualitative interviews. Step 3 involved beta testing the app through a 6-day diary study followed by 1-on-1 qualitative interviews with a nationally recruited group of 7 AI/AN adults who smoke commercial cigarettes. The development work associated with step 3 was further informed by the CAB and the research and app development teams. Key findings identified 5 cultural refinements that informed subsequent app development and testing: (1) stories featuring AI/AN adults and elders emphasizing culture, spirituality, family, and community; (2) honoring the Earth as a motivator for cessation; (3) a guide character representative of AI/AN people; (4) clear distinction between ceremonial and commercial tobacco use; and (5) use of earth tones in visual design. In Step 3, all 7 (100%) diary study participants rated the beta version of the app as excellent or good/meets expectations (5/7, 71%, and 2/7, 29%, respectively) and that it felt made for them. They suggested 6 modifications which were incorporated into the final version of the app: (1) include vaping frequently asked questions, (2) feature motivation icons more prominently, (3) increase notification frequency, (4) track today's cigarettes rather than yesterday's, (5) allow users to update how much they spend per pack of cigarettes; and (6) rename the medications tool to reflect the inclusion of AI/AN traditional healing modalities. A user-centered and CBPR development process yielded IndigeQuit-one of the first known apps developed specifically to help AI/AN adults quit commercial cigarette smoking. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06145763; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06145763.

BackgroundAbout 2.4% of Kenyan people (approximately 1.3 million people) are living with HIV. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy, men continue to experience disproportionately poor engagement in HIV care due to entrenched masculine norms, stigma, and lack of tailored interventions. Mobile health (mHealth) platforms offer a promising strategy to improve care engagement, but evidence on its implementation and impact among men living with HIV is limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the implementation and potential effects of the Nishauri mHealth intervention on HIV care and treatment outcomes among men in Western Kenya. Specifically, it seeks to (1) analyze its effects on HIV care engagement and treatment outcomes, (2) explore the role of masculine identity in modifying acceptability and uptake, and (3) identify barriers and facilitators of adoption, use, and sustainment.MethodsWe will use a mixed methods design combining a stepped-wedge cluster approach and a pre- and postimplementation assessment across 4 health facilities in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Approximately 347 men receiving HIV treatment who own a smartphone will be enrolled. The stepped-wedge design will sequentially introduce the intervention across the 4 facilities in 2-month intervals following baseline assessments, allowing each site to serve as its own control. Surveys will collect data on sociodemographics, masculinity, intervention acceptability and uptake, and HIV clinical outcomes using validated measures. Intervention effects on pre- and postbinary outcomes will be assessed using the McNemar test, while generalized estimating equations (α=.05; β=.2; 95% CI) will account for clustering and repeated measures in the stepped-wedge analysis. Focus group discussions (n=5-6) will be conducted with men living with HIV, health care providers, and app developers to explore barriers and facilitators of implementation and adoption. Focus group discussions will be audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically.ResultsThis study received institutional review board approval in July 2025 and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in August 2025. Recruitment began in September 2025 and concluded in November 2025. A total of 307 men living with HIV were recruited across the 4 clinics for the pre- and postquantitative assessment. Preliminary findings will describe implementation outcomes and early effects on HIV care engagement.ConclusionsThis trial will use a stepped-wedge design to evaluate the implementation and effects of the Nishauri mHealth intervention on antiretroviral therapy adherence and clinic attendance among men in Homa Bay County. By examining both clinical outcomes and the influence of masculine norms on intervention uptake, it will provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of mHealth strategies tailored for men in low-resource, high–HIV-burden settings. Findings will inform the design, scalability, and optimization of similar interventions by identifying key implementation barriers and facilitators.

The rising global aging population has increased the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a condition with limited treatment options, making non-pharmacological interventions essential. While mobile health apps are increasingly common, there is currently a lack of theory-based, user-centered research to support the development of mobile health apps for family caregivers of persons living with AD. This study aimed to design a theory-based and user-centered mobile application that supports family caregivers by leveraging non-pharmacological interventions to aid in the management and potential slowing of AD progression, with the ultimate goals of improving care quality and reducing their burden. The study employed a three-phase methodology: (1) Establishing a theoretical framework based on Narrative Evidence-Based Medicine and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; (2) Conducting semi-structured interviews with target users (n = 18), with transcripts analyzed thematically to inform the app’s development by an interdisciplinary team; (3) Performing a preliminary evaluation with participants (n = 20) who used the app for three weeks, after which a questionnaire assessed its short-term impact and user-friendliness. Thematic analysis yielded five key themes: Content, Platform, Functionality, Interactivity, and Interface. The mWITH ME app consists of four modules: educational support, professional support, peer support, and health monitoring. In the preliminary evaluation, 75% (n = 15) of participants reported that using the app reduced their daily caregiving burden, 80% (n = 16) expressed satisfaction with the application, and 70% (n = 14) acknowledged its role in improving care quality. The modules for Educational, Professional, and Peer Support received particularly positive feedback, which aligns with the app’s underlying theoretical framework of Narrative Evidence-Based Medicine and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Nonetheless, the Health Monitoring module was identified as requiring further enhancements to better meet user expectations. The mWITH ME app demonstrates feasibility in supporting family caregivers by addressing their professional, educational, and emotional needs. Future work should focus on developing features for mood and fatigue monitoring, while long-term studies are needed to evaluate its integration into standard care pathways and its potential to improve the quality of life for both the caregivers and persons living with AD.

Mobile application development has evolved significantly with the emergence of cross-platform frameworks that enable developers to build applications for both Android and iOS using a single codebase. Among these frameworks, Flutter and React Native have gained substantial popularity due to their performance efficiency, development speed, and strong community support. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of Flutter and React Native, focusing on architecture, performance, UI capabilities, developer experience, community ecosystem, and future trends. The study evaluates how these frameworks influence modern mobile development practices and explores their advantages, limitations, and suitability for different types of applications. The findings suggest that while both frameworks significantly reduce development time and cost, Flutter offers better UI consistency and performance due to its native rendering engine, whereas React Native benefits from JavaScript flexibility and a mature ecosystem.