Mobile Apps Research Articles

Knowledge seeking in the context of social media mobile apps

Knowledge seeking in the context of social media mobile apps

Mobile apps for diabetes self-management: An updated review of app features and effectiveness.

Self-management of diabetes is extremely challenging and non-adherence is common. Health consequences are significant for those unable to adhere to the complex treatment regimen, which includes regular oral medication and/or insulin use, frequent blood sugar checks, strict dietary management, and regular physical activity. Mobile applications (apps) present a tremendous opportunity to help patients improve adherence to these behaviors. The availability of commercial diabetes self-management apps is increasing exponentially, making it difficult for patients and providers to stay informed about app options and benefits. Previous reviews have described commercial diabetes apps and their features and usability for patients with diabetes. A smaller number have reviewed the effectiveness of these apps in improving blood glucose as well as other aspects of diabetes management. The aim of this article is to update our 2016 review, summarize the results of new reviews, review outcomes of diabetes apps described in the literature, and offer recommendations for app features, effectiveness research, and marketing in apps for diabetes self-management. Although higher-quality research is needed, current reviews suggest that many diabetes apps are effective in lowering HbA1c. Recommendations for future research include reporting critical details such as patient demographics and intervention elements and designing studies to identify the most effective components of diabetes management apps. Furthermore, clearly labeling apps that have data supporting clinical efficacy in app stores would allow both providers and patients to easily identify apps that might be most beneficial. Future research should explore the use of apps for the prevention of diabetes in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes.

Satisfaction With the Use of a Mobile Application: Adopsi Teknologi pada Aplikasi Mobile PLN

The development of information technology has an impact on business growth in Indonesia. One example is PT PLN developing the PLN mobile application to facilitate customers in accessing the services provided. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of Barriers (Resistance to change and Technological Complexity) and Facilitators (Technical Support, Compatibility, Performance Expectancy, and Easy of use) on Satisfaction with the use of a mobile application in the Mobile PLN app. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to users of the PLN mobile app. The results of the study indicate that resistance to change positively affects user satisfaction with the mobile PLN application, as users feel more satisfied when the application does not disrupt their routines. Conversely, technological complexity negatively affects user satisfaction; the higher the complexity, the lower the satisfaction. A stable and easy-to-use application increases satisfaction. Effective and responsive technical support also enhances user satisfaction. The application's compatibility with users' lifestyles has a significant impact; an application integrated with users' routines increases satisfaction. Fulfilled performance expectations, such as tangible benefits, efficiency, and productivity, also positively affect user satisfaction. Easy of use has a significant influence; an intuitive and user-friendly application increases overall user satisfaction.

Exploring the Influence of Software Evolution on Mobile App Accessibility: Insights from User Reviews

Software systems constantly evolve to accommodate stakeholders' and environments' requirements that change over time. In this process, the frequent modifications can increase software complexity and negatively impact its global quality when conducted in an unstructured way. The evolutive nature of mobile environments led researchers to investigate how mobile app evolution impacts complexity, security, resource consumption, maintainability, usability, and accessibility. In particular, there has been limited research on the impact of app updates on mobile accessibility: most studies focused on tracking the number of accessibility violations found by automated tools across successive versions of a small set of applications. In a previous work, we made a contribution to this field by identifying accessibility reviews associated with app updates and prompting ChatGPT-4 to provide an overview of the main accessibility issues and enhancements perceived by users in the new releases of a mobile app. In this manuscript, we extend our previous work by adopting manual content analysis to delve deeper into our research questions and by adding new research questions associated with the identification of reviews linked to app updates, user characteristics, WCAG principles and guidelines, and user demands reported in accessibility reviews. Our results show that the accessibility barriers reported by users are mostly linked to the WCAG 2.2 Perceivable principle, and the Distinguishable and Adaptable guidelines, which includes poor color scheme, small font size, unlabeled elements, and lack of customization options. Accordingly, the consequences of the lack of accessibility is mainly connected to the difficult users experience to perceive elements of the interface (e.g. difficult to read and distinguish content, watch videos) and to use screen readers, in addition to feel discriminated against. The most common demand developers and organizations receive is to bring back some accessible feature or to fix accessibility bugs.

An Objective Assessment of Neuromotor Control Using a Smartphone App After Repeated Subconcussive Blast Exposure.

Subconcussive blast exposure has been shown to alter neurological functioning. However, the extent to which neurological dysfunction persists after blast exposure is unknown. This longitudinal study examined the potential short- and long-term effects of repeated subconcussive blast exposure on neuromotor performance from heavy weapons training in military personnel. A total of 214 participants were assessed; 137 were exposed to repeated subconcussive blasts and 77 were not exposed to blasts (controls). Participants completed a short stepping-in-place task while an Android smartphone app placed on their thigh recorded movement kinematics. We showed acute suppression of neuromotor variability 6 h after subconcussive blast exposure, followed by a rebound to levels not different from baseline at the 72 h, 2-week, and 3-month post-tests. It is postulated that this suppression of neuromotor variability results from a reduction in the functional degrees of freedom from the subconcussive neurological insult. It is important to note that this change in behavior is short-lived, with a return to pre-blast exposure movement kinematics within 72 h.

Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Development and Effectiveness of an Educational Mobile Application Using an Integrated Change Model to Prevent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Background: An effective approach to preventing cardiovascular issues is the use of mobile health applications to improve modifiable risk factors. This protocol for a randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the development and effectiveness of an educational mobile app that employs an integrated change model to reduce risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among individuals aged 20 to 69 years. Methods: This study will be a parallel, randomized, single-blind clinical trial utilizing the randomized block design involving 430 participants. The participants will be divided into a control group receiving standard clinical care and an intervention group receiving standard clinical care along with app-based education, over approximately 6 months. Conclusion: This application has been designed to enhance motivation, awareness, and positive habits to reduce risk factors in individuals at increased risk of ASCVD. Consequently, the results could improve cardiovascular health knowledge, manage biological risk factors, and modify cardiac behaviors through mobile applications. This research is expected to present a promising approach to utilizing mobile apps for managing cardiovascular health and contribute to the growing body of research on digital health interventions.

Effects of using a mobile application on pelvic floor training in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled clinical study.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine that causes negative impacts on women's lives. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered to be "level A" of scientific evidence in the treatment of UI. Despite its efficacy, it is known that the effect of PFMT may depend on continuous adherence. Therefore, healthcare professionals are looking for alternatives to improve adherence in their patients. Healthcare has been innovating through mobile device apps. Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of PFMT with the use of a mobile device app in incontinent women. This was a controlled, randomized clinical trial that occurred remotely. A total of 104 women with stress UI and/or mixed incontinence, over 18 years old, literate, with preserved cognitive capacity, with internet access and a mobile device with the Android system, participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: The App group and the Booklet group, which underwent a PFMT protocol guided by a mobile app and a booklet, respectively. Both groups received daily reminders to perform the exercises. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, it was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Both groups showed improvements in the final ICIQ-SF score. However, superior results were shown for the Booklet group (App: pre: 11.5 [±3.8], post: 9.8 [±4.5]; Booklet: pre: 12.6 [±4.5], post: 7.4 [±4.3]; p = 0.03). It was concluded that PFMT, with the use of a mobile app, is capable of reducing UI and the impact of UI, but it is not superior to training with the use of booklet instructions.

Artificial intelligence integrated in a smartphone app is accurate in diagnosing melanoma in individuals with lighter skin color.

Artificial intelligence integrated in a smartphone app is accurate in diagnosing melanoma in individuals with lighter skin color.

Remote Patient Monitoring Using Mobile Health Technology in Cancer Care and Research: Patients' Views and Preferences.

There is an increasing interest in studying the potential of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as smartphone apps and wearables, as monitoring tools for patients with cancer during or after their treatment. However, little research is dedicated to exploring the opinions and concerns of patients regarding the adoption of these technologies. This study aimed to gain insight into patients' perspectives and preferences for participating in mHealth-based monitoring in cancer care. A qualitative study comprising semistructured interviews was conducted in the Netherlands between April and June 2023. Participants were eligible if they were 18 years or older with a current or past diagnosis of cancer. The interview guide was developed on the basis of the technology acceptance model, with main themes being use, communication, trust, privacy, and expectations. Thirteen participants with urologic primary cancer were interviewed. Most patients had already some familiarity with the use of digital monitoring devices or wearables. Main barriers included persistent reminders of the illness, receiving notifications deemed unnecessary or unwanted, and the acknowledgment that mHealth technology does not serve as a substitute for human doctors. Conversely, patients recognized the potential for time-savings through the utilization of mHealth, viewed active monitoring as nonburdensome, considered mHealth a tool for reducing the communication threshold with their doctor, and expressed willingness to adopt such a platform if they perceived personal or societal relevance. This study has elucidated which factors are important for successful development of mHealth for patients with cancer. While both barriers and facilitators play a role, patients' attitudes were positive toward the implementation of remote digital monitoring, showing promising prospects for future research of mHealth in oncology.

MOBILE HEALTH: ECG MONITORING FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DETECTION

This systematic review examines the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as smartphone apps and wearable devices, for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF). The review includes studies assessing the quality and performance of mobile apps and smartwatch algorithms, as well as the clinical validity of ECG measurement and photoplethysmography technology. Findings suggest diverse results, with some studies indicating promising sensitivity and specificity for AF detection. However, there is a need for further research to develop reliable algorithms for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions using mHealth technologies.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cobb Angle Measurement for Scoliosis: Retrospective Reliability and Accuracy Study of a Mobile App.

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity in which one or more spinal segments bend to the side or show vertebral rotation. Some artificial intelligence (AI) apps have already been developed for measuring the Cobb angle in patients with scoliosis. These apps still require doctors to perform certain measurements, which can lead to interobserver variability. The AI app (cobbAngle pro) in this study will eliminate the need for doctor measurements, achieving complete automation. We aimed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of our new AI app that is based on deep learning to automatically measure the Cobb angle in patients with scoliosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with scoliosis who were treated at the Pediatric Orthopedics Department of the Children's Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from July 2019 to July 2022. Three measurers used the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) to measure the coronal main curve Cobb angle in 802 full-length anteroposterior and lateral spine X-rays of 601 children with scoliosis, and recorded the results of each measurement. After an interval of 2 weeks, the mobile AI app was used to remeasure the Cobb angle once. The Cobb angle measurements from the PACS were used as the reference standard, and the accuracy of the Cobb angle measurements by the app was analyzed through the Bland-Altman test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the repeatability within measurers and the consistency between measurers. Among 601 children with scoliosis, 89 were male and 512 were female (age range: 10-17 years), and 802 full-length spinal X-rays were analyzed. Two functionalities of the app (photography and photo upload) were compared with the PACS for measuring the Cobb angle. The consistency was found to be excellent. The average absolute errors of the Cobb angle measured by the photography and upload methods were 2.00 and 2.08, respectively. Using a clinical allowance maximum error of 5°, the 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) for Cobb angle measurements by the photography and upload methods were -4.7° to 4.9° and -4.9° to 4.9°, respectively. For the photography and upload methods, the 95% LoAs for measuring Cobb angles were -4.3° to 4.6° and -4.4° to 4.7°, respectively, in mild scoliosis patients; -4.9° to 5.2° and -5.1° to 5.1°, respectively, in moderate scoliosis patients; and -5.2° to 5.0° and -6.0° to 4.8°, respectively, in severe scoliosis patients. The Cobb angle measured by the 3 observers twice before and after using the photography method had good repeatability (P<.001). The consistency between the observers was excellent (P<.001). The new AI platform is accurate and repeatable in the automatic measurement of the Cobb angle of the main curvature in patients with scoliosis.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Effectiveness of Strategies for Enhancing Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting

BackgroundPharmacovigilance is essential for patient safety, but underreporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global challenge. ObjectivesThis review evaluated the effectiveness of strategies for enhancing ADR reporting by healthcare professionals (HCPs). MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane and the PRISMA guidelines. Five international databases were searched from inception to December 2023 and updated search to September 2024. Randomized clinical controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs on enhancing ADR reporting were included. The primary outcomes were the number of overall ADR and high-quality ADR reports. Study quality was assessed using the EPOC risk of bias (ROB), and ROBIN-I for RCT, and non-RCT. All data were evaluated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and chi-squared tests. ResultsFrom 1,672 studies, 13 studies (10 RCTs, and 3 non-RCTs) with 28,116 participants were included. Two of 10 RCTs had low ROB while the remaining were judged as unclear and moderate ROB. Most studies were in high-income countries, and the main strategy was educating HCPs through workshops. Meta-analysis showed significant increases in overall ADR reporting through educating HCPs with a rate ratio (RR) of 5.09 (95%CI: 3.36-7.71, I2=84.5%, low certainty), and in high-quality reporting with 1.31 (95%CI:1.09-1.58, I2=0.0%, moderate certainty). Subgroup analysis indicated that educating HCPs through face-to-face workshops combined with the Tawai app (RR:10.5, 95%CI:8.74-12.61), a face-to-face workshop alone (RR:6.69, 95%CI:5.43-8.25, I2=0.0%), and repeated telephone (RR:2.59, 95%CI:1.75-3.84, I2=8.8%) significantly increased the overall number of ADR reports with moderate certainty. Email or letter communications showed no significant effect. ConclusionEducating HCPs via interactive strategies like face-to-face workshops with or without a mobile app and repeated phone calls improved ADR reporting. However, long-term, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings before recommending widespread implementation in clinical practice, especially in LMICs.

Can a smoking cessation app benefit individuals in disadvantaged areas? A qualitative study on motivation, barriers, and perceptions of a digital app in stockholm, sweden

ObjectiveIn Sweden, the prevalence of daily smoking has decreased substantially over the past few decades. However, a socioeconomic divide is evident, contributing to health inequities. The current study focuses on the needs, facilitators, and barriers in relation to quitting smoking among individuals in disadvantaged areas and explores their perception of digital tools for smoking cessation. MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants in Stockholm County between 2022 and 2023. Participants were recruited through health care centres, dental clinics, and civil society actors. A thematic analysis was performed. ResultsTwo cross-cutting main themes were identified; 1) Motivational factors and barriers in smoking cessation, including the subthemes “health, concern for loved ones and economic aspects” and “emotional, environmental, and cultural barriers” and 2) Benefits and limitations of a digital tool for smoking cessation, including the subthemes”important/relevant features in a digital app” and “limitations of digital support”. ConclusionsThe results reveal that most participants want to quit smoking but perceive it as difficult. The study highlights the importance of addressing social disparities in smoking and the need for accessible smoking cessation support. While mobile apps are viewed as promising for smoking cessation by some of the participants, scepticism exists among others. Moving forward, personalized approaches that integrate digital tools with traditional methods for smoking cessation can be important to reduce smoking prevalence. Ensuring accessibility of effective smoking cessation support for all is a key public health interest.

Framework for deep learning diagnosis of plant disorders in horticultural crops: From data collection tools to user-friendly web and mobile apps

Framework for deep learning diagnosis of plant disorders in horticultural crops: From data collection tools to user-friendly web and mobile apps

Digital motor intervention effects on motor performance of individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.

Individuals (i.e. children/young adults) with developmental disabilities (DDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) often display a variety of physical and motor impairments. It is well known that participation in motor activities can positively impact the development of children's cognitive and social skills. Recently, virtual and digital technologies (e.g. video conferencing applications, virtual reality and video gaming) have been increasingly used to promote better physical/motor outcomes. The efficacy of digital technologies in improving motor outcomes for those with DD/ID varies depending on the technology and population, and the comparative effects of various technologies are unknown. The aim of our study is to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively examine the quantitative and qualitative results of current studies reporting the efficacy of digitally based motor interventions on motor outcomes in individuals with DD/ID. Literature published from 1900 to 2024 was searched in four health sciences databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL. Articles that examined the effects of gross motor/physical activity training using technologies such as exergaming (i.e. exercise through video gaming such as the Wii and Xbox Kinect), virtual reality or telehealth video conferencing applications (i.e. Zoom, Webex or mobile health apps) on the standardised or game-specific gross motor performance of individuals with DD/ID diagnoses that do not typically experience significant walking challenges using experimental or quasi-experimental study designs were included. Thirty relevant articles were retrieved from a search of the databases PubMed (914), PsycINFO (1201), Scopus (1910) and CINAHL (948). Our quantitative synthesis of this published literature suggests strong and consistent evidence of small-to-large improvements in motor skill performance following digital movement interventions. Our review supports the use of digital motor interventions to support motor skill performance in individuals with DD without ID. Digital technologies can provide a more engaging option for therapists to promote motor skill development in individuals with DD or for caregivers to use as an adjunct to skilled therapy.

Sample-to-answer point-of-care testing platform for quantitative detection of small molecules in blood using a smartphone-and microfluidic-based nanoplasmonic biosensor

Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of small molecules is of great significance in point-of-care testing (POCT) for health management and biomarker detection for many diseases. In this study, a novel POCT device integrated with a metasurface plasmon resonance (MetaSPR) chip with diffusion film enhancement was designed and controlled by a smartphone app for small molecule ultrasensitive detection based on competitive immunoassays. In this method, the sample competes with the antigen immobilized on the chip, and labeled antibodies are pumped from the sample pad to the chip for multiplexed and sample-to-answer analysis of blood. The entire process of detection is 14.3-fold less time (210 s in total) compared to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For this assay, the limit of detection was 0.36 ppt and 1.05 ppt for testosterone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, respectively, and showed 100- to 1000-fold greater sensitivity than that of ELISA. Collectively, the data suggest that this novel POCT platform, based on a MetaSPR biosensor, provides ultrasensitive, rapid, regenerable, versatile, and real-time quantitative analysis for applications in health management and early diagnosis.

New ways of collecting urban freight traffic data and applications for urban freight policies and research

The current quality of data on urban logistics traffic patterns is poor. Data are scarce, heterogeneous, often old and expensive to collect. This research looks at new ways to collect urban freight data and make that data available to both policy-makers and academia. Three case studies are examined: Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Brussels, Belgium; and Barcelona, Spain. They help identify new sources of data from traffic and parking policies: automated number plate recognition cameras, an on-street delivery smartphone app, and a truck pricing scheme. Both the context in which new data sources of interest to urban logistics are produced, and the level of appropriation of these data by local stakeholders and the research community are examined. We then construct an analysis grid to evaluate the diversity of systems (technical and socio-technical) producing data relevant to urban logistics. This analysis framework can be used to facilitate comparisons between data sources and thus help future case studies. In the three cases, we found that local governments use the data more than researchers do. The issue of data dissemination raises questions about costs (who is to bear the cost of storing, maintaining and extracting data sets?) as well as regulatory questions. We conclude that local administrations should be encouraged to work towards harmonizing data collection methods and data sharing conditions in order to improve the quality and comparability of the data. Cities in countries with little access to new sources of data, such as France for regulatory reasons, should try to find ways to create data source opportunities. In all countries, urban freight research communities should be encouraged to use the now increasingly available data.

Using citizen science to explore barriers and facilitators for healthy and sustainable lifestyles in office environments

The socio ecological model states that individual behaviors at work are shaped by the interactions between individual employees and their work environments. This study used citizen science to gain insights into which elements of the built, social, and organizational environment in an office and surrounding neighborhoods in two Swedish cities were perceived as barriers to or facilitators of healthy and sustainable behaviors at work. Participants in the eight-week Sustainable Office Intervention pilot study (SOFIA) (n = 33) were cluster-randomized into an experimental arm (sustainable lifestyle) or a control intervention arm (healthy lifestyle). They used the Our Voice Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool mobile app to document contextual elements at their workplaces. In total, 114 photos and text-based narratives were recorded, and four themes emerged: built environment, building design, office ergonomics, and food and beverages. Eighteen percent of the photos were linked to pro-environmental behaviors, all exclusively captured by the experimental arm. Twelve barriers and solutions for improving the workplace environment were identified during discussions with participants in both arms. The findings provide insights for designing or renovating office spaces and urban planning to promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles for office workers.

A Qualitative Study of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients' Perspectives on Readiness, Acceptance and Barriers of Mobile Apps for Medication Adherence

ObjectivesThis qualitative phenomenological study explored the perspectives of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients in adopting mobile apps for medication adherence management. MethodsThrough 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews, themes were identified using thematic analysis, guided by the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM). ResultsAnticipated convenience and benefits, openness to new technologies acted as drivers, while limited digital literacy and concerns about data privacy and security served as inhibitors of readiness to adopt health apps. Acceptance was influenced by elements related to medication, patient, healthcare professional, family and app aspects. The identified barriers were related to patient, smartphone and monetary factors. Patients perceived the need to adopt digital apps were for those with poor adherence, complex medication regimen and forgetfulness issues. However, concerns about effectively implementing this approach were noted as T2DM patients were predominantly late middle-aged adults who faced technical challenges, leading to combination approach between digital technology and conventional patient education and counselling. ConclusionThe findings highlighted the factors influencing patient's readiness, acceptance, and barriers on effective utilisation of digital health solutions in managing adherence issues. Practical implicationsThe elements of TRAM provide guidance for strategic actions to enhance digital health technology adoption among T2DM patients.

A Study on Determine How Mobile Apps can Help Promote the Growth of the Fashion Industry

The usage of smartphones has increased after covid-19 for many purposes, including shopping. Hence raising awareness about online shopping apps and their advantages to the general public will pave the way to increases sales, which leads to economic development. Technology breakthroughs and shifting customer behavior are driving a major transition in the fashion business. This paper looks at how mobile applications can help the fashion industry increase sales, improve brand engagement, and streamline processes. Nowadays, due to stiff competitor that prevails in the fashion industry, there has been a tremendous increase in the usage of social media, and the promotion of various mobile shopping apps creates a zest for processing the product. The study’s main goal is to determine how mobile apps can help promote the growth of the fashion industry. The main advantage of using mobile apps is that it saves time, and customers can always the information about different products and make comparisons easily. The study is useful for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and various distribution channels of the utilize mobile platforms and increase their sales and profits. We identify important characteristics of successful fashion apps, including social integration, augmented reality functions, and tailored purchasing experiences, using a mixed-methods approach incorporating case studies and survey data. According to our research, mobile applications help organizations make wise decisions by enhancing consumer satisfaction and loyalty as well as offering useful data analytics. The report offers suggestions at the end on how fashion companies might use mobile technology to achieve long-term growth.