Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Oct 27, 2021
Date Accepted: Mar 30, 2022
Development and feasibility of a mobile asthma app for children and caregivers: A mixed-methods study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Mobile health apps can support the self-management of pediatric asthma. Previous studies about mobile apps for children aged > 7 years with asthma are limited, and most reports about asthma apps do not consider interactions between children and caregivers. Therefore, we developed a mobile asthma app for children aged 0–12 years and their caregivers based on the results of our previous study about user needs.
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of a developed mobile app for children with asthma and their caregivers, and to modify and complete the app based on the results.
Methods:
We recruited children diagnosed with persistent asthma by an allergy specialist at two children’s hospital, a university hospital, two general hospitals, and a pediatric clinic. Next, the app usage was assessed, and questionnaires were administered. The study used convergent mix-methods including providing user feedback about the child asthma app, performing questionnaire surveys regarding preferences, and obtaining quantitative data about app usage. Quantitative data were analyzed based on ratings provided for the app features used by the participants, and the usage of app features were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed via a descriptive qualitative research analysis and were used to identify codes from the content-characteristic words.
Results:
In total, 30 pairs of children aged 2–12 years and their caregivers responded to the 3-month survey, and 20 pairs of children aged 4–12 years and their caregivers to the 6-month survey. In the 3- and 6-month surveys, record was the most commonly used feature by both caregivers and children. The average access logs per month among the 20 pairs ranged from 50 to 79 based on the 6-month survey. Next, the number of access logs decreased over time. In terms of app feasibility, > 60% of caregivers provided answers such as very agree and agree for all evaluation items. Moreover, > 63% of children provided answers including very agree and agree for six items excluding satisfaction. The caregivers found it difficult to use the apps due the following reasons: “I could not record my daily physical condition, climate, and events.” Meanwhile, the children answered “My mother was typing everything,” and “Since it is my parent’s mobile phone, I could not use the app freely whenever I want to.” Based on the results of feasibility, the final version of the app was modified and completed.
Conclusions:
The app feasibility among children with asthma and their caregivers was generally good. Children aged 7–12 years had used elements including record, quiz, and manga. This app can support the continuous self-management of pediatric asthma. However, efforts must be provided to maintain and improve the app quality. Clinical Trial: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000039058; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000043881
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