Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Oct 14, 2022
Date Accepted: Feb 10, 2023
mHealth apps for breast cancer: Content analysis and quality assessment
ABSTRACT
Background:
Although few cancer-specific mobile apps are available, they improve the management of cancer through the use of smartphones and tablet devices. A previous systematic review of breast cancer (BC) apps only evaluated mobile apps in terms of their adherence to evidence-based content and design. Because of rapid advancements in the mobile health market, as well as in the content and function of mobile apps, it is essential to perform a detailed assessment of the apps.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the content and quality of mobile apps related to BC.
Methods:
This descriptive, cross-sectional study analyzed smartphone apps related to BC, including those related to prevention, detection, treatment, and survivor support. We used the keyword “breast cancer” in English and Korean to identify commercially available apps from the App Store and Google Play. The apps were independently evaluated by two investigators to determine their eligibility for inclusion in the study. The content and quality of the apps were analyzed using objective frameworks and the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), respectively.
Results:
The initial search identified 1,148 apps, 69 (6.01%) of which were included in the analysis. Most BC-related apps provided information, although some also recorded patient-generated health data (PGHD), provided psychological support, and assisted with medication management. Kendall's coefficient of concordance between the raters was 0.91 (P<.001). The mean MARS score (range: 1–5) of the apps was 3.31 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.67; range: 1.94–4.53). Among individual dimensions, functionality had the highest mean score (4.37, SD = 0.42) followed by aesthetics (3.74, SD = 1.14). Apps that only provided information on BC prevention or management of its risk factors had lowers score than those that recorded medical data or PGHD. Apps developed > 2 years ago, or by individuals, had significantly lower MARS scores compared to other apps (P<.001).
Conclusions:
Our results may aid the development of standards for BC-related apps. Several apps only provide information on the care of BC patients; the quality of these apps should be assessed periodically. Furthermore, BC patients were satisfied with the individualized options available in the apps and motivated to continue using them. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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