Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Oct 22, 2018
Open Peer Review Period: Oct 25, 2018 - Nov 22, 2018
Date Accepted: Jan 20, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
The characteristics and quality of mobile phone applications targeted to men who have sex with men in China: a window of opportunity for health information dissemination?
ABSTRACT
Background:
A mass of mobile health applications are developed specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM apps). However, the characteristics, quality and possible influences of these apps are unclear.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to objectively and comprehensively evaluate the MSM apps’ functional characteristics, contents, popularity and quality, as to assess whether these apps disseminated health information.
Methods:
We searched two dominated app stores (Apple Store and Android market) using the keywords of “MSM, gay, LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender)”. Apps were excluded if they did not have a Chinese-language interface, or if their target population did not include MSM. Basic information about the eligible apps was gathered from the app stores (e.g., app name, app store category, date of last update). The quality of apps was measured using Mobile App Rating Scale by two raters. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between raters were computed as a measure for interrater reliability of the MARS scales. All analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0.
Results:
During September 15 to September 30, 2018, a total of 575 apps were reviewed, and 532 apps were excluded. Finally, 43 apps were included. 16 apps were from the Apple Store; 10 apps were from Android market; 17 apps were available in both stores. 39 out of 43 apps were for social and sexual networking. 10 apps contained sexual health information (e.g. HIV/STDs knowledge, HIV test, condom use). The average store rating was 4 stars, with 21 apps exceeding 10,000 downloads. 31apps had acceptable quality (as defined MARS score > 3); functionality was the highest scoring domain, followed by information quality, aesthetics, and engagement. Interrater reliability was excellent for the overall mean app quality scores (ICC=0.946, 95% CI 0.904-0.970) and the subjective quality scores (ICC=0.910, 95% CI 0.841-0.950).
Conclusions:
By reviewing the available apps, we find MSM apps are popular. The majority of MSM apps is for dating; limited apps contain HIV prevention and health information. The overall quality of the apps is acceptable. The development and utilization of interactive smart phone technologies not only could meet users’ needs but also have the potential to promote MSM sexual health in the future.
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