Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Apr 25, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 10, 2025
Evaluating the Trustworthiness of Online Pharmacy Applications in Pakistan by Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)
ABSTRACT
Background:
Online pharmacies, which operate on digital platforms like websites and smartphone applications, enable the electronic exchange of health-related products. Pakistan is experiencing significant progress in smartphone integration and digital services, leading to the expansion of the online pharmacy business. However, concerns remain over the legitimacy and precision of these websites.
Objective:
The study was designed to undertake a thorough assessment of digital pharmacy applications accessible in Pakistan. Specifically, our focus was on apps accessible via the Google Play Store on Android devices and the App Store on iOS smartphones and other devices. To fulfill this objective, an exhaustive evaluation of these applications was performed utilizing the Mobile App Rating Scale.
Methods:
The study analyzed Pakistan's digital pharmacy apps, accessed through the Android Market and App Store. Researchers independently evaluated the apps using the MARS questionnaire, which assesses 23 factors grouped into five domains: Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality. The rating scale ranged from one to five for each criterion.
Results:
A study was conducted on 50 online pharmacy applications in Pakistan, excluding twenty-seven that did not meet pre-established criteria. A selection of 23 applications was made and acquired via the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. The Mobile App Rating Scale dimensions, including Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information, showed strong positive correlations, with higher user functionality indicating better app aesthetics and engagement. The average rating of the 23 applications ranged between 2.64 and 4.00 on a scale of 5. The aesthetics dimension had the highest mean score of 3.6, while the information dimension had the lowest mean score of 3.2.
Conclusions:
The evaluation of online pharmacy applications in Pakistan employing the Mobile Application Ratings Scale has provided insights into the quality and efficacy of these apps. The outcomes acquired through this study emphasize the need to establish the credibility and dependability of online pharmacy applications. While several applications demonstrate potential capabilities and reliable data, others may lack when it comes to user involvement and information. The existence of such discrepancies in the standards of applications underscores the importance for customers to exercise discernment in their selection of an online pharmacy application.
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