JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

According to the Global Asthma Report 2022, asthma impacts 262 million individuals globally across all ages. The report highlighted that 1 in 10 children have asthma symptoms, and half have poorly controlled symptoms. Like most chronic diseases, a proactive way to mitigate the cost and adverse effects caused by asthma is to equip patients with effective self-management strategies. Earlier investigations of mobile health (mHealth) asthma management applications show a positive effect on asthma control, medication adherence, and self-efficacy. mHealth technology that combines personalized health management into patients’ daily routines can effectively enhance patients’ asthma self-management. Nevertheless, existing mHealth asthma applications lack personalization and real-time feedback, and are not tailored for at-risk adolescents. Further, large-scale randomized trials are lacking, particularly in diverse adolescent populations.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to design, develop, and test a smartphone-based mobile health Asthma Action Plan (AAP) for adolescents. The targeted population is particularly vulnerable to poor asthma outcomes due to inadequate self-management skills and non-adherence to medications. The mobile AAP, named Pulmonary Education and Knowledge Mobile Asthma Action Plan (PEAK-mAAP), is based on the Health Belief Model and aims to improve asthma self-management among adolescents.

Methods:

We employed user-centered design principles, building upon our prior work and following guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Initial usability of the PEAK-mAAP was assessed using the System Usability Scale.

Results:

The initial usability testing showed promising results, with an average System Usability Scale score of 83 out of 100. However, some users experienced a learning curve while getting accustomed to the application.

Conclusions:

PEAK-mAAP has the potential to be an effective tool for asthma self-management among adolescents. The usability score suggests a positive user experience, though further studies are needed to understand the learning curve some users experienced. An ongoing clinical trial will provide additional insights into the application's effectiveness and its impact on asthma self-management in adolescents.