Identification of the Most Suitable Mobile Apps to Support Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet Self-Management: Systematic Search of App Stores and Content Analysis

Establishing an Evaluation Indicator System for User Satisfaction With Hypertension Management Apps: Combining User-Generated Content and Analytic Hierarchy Process

BACKGROUND

Hypertension management apps (HMAs) can be effective in controlling blood pressure, but their actual impact is often suboptimal. Establishing a user satisfaction evaluation indicator system for HMAs can assist app developers in enhancing app design and functionality, while also helping users identify apps that best meet their needs. This approach aims to improve the overall effectiveness of app usage.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to systematically collect data on HMAs and their user reviews in the United States and China. It analyzes app usage patterns and functional characteristics, identifies factors influencing user satisfaction from existing research, and develops a satisfaction evaluation indicator system to provide more accurate recommendations for improving user satisfaction.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis to assess the development status of HMAs in both countries and applied the task-technology fit model to evaluate whether the app functionalities align with business needs. We separately summarized the factors influencing user satisfaction in both countries from previous research, utilized the analytic hierarchy process to develop an evaluation indicator system for HMA user satisfaction, and calculated satisfaction levels. Based on these findings, we propose improvements to enhance app functionality and user satisfaction.

RESULTS

In terms of current development status, there were fewer HMAs and user reviews in China compared with the United States. Regarding app functional availability, fewer than 5% (4/91) of the apps achieved a demand fulfillment rate exceeding 80% (8/10). Overall, user satisfaction in both countries was low.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, user satisfaction was lowest for advertising distribution, data synchronization, and reliability. By contrast, Chinese apps need improvements in cost efficiency and compatibility.

Updates in the management of hypertension

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and nephropathies. Its treatment and management require long-term follow-up which can be facilitated by the emergence of device-based therapies. Novel recommendations have been well described in the latest ESH guidelines as well as new risk factors have been identified. The authors summarized the published evidence on hypertension management. The authors also cited in this review novel treatment approaches in different settings and the intervention of medication adherence in treatment success. Such non-communicable disease requires long-term follow-up and monitoring, which is quite facilitated in the era of digitalization by cuff-less devices based on prediction tools.

Sodium and Human Health: What Can Be Done to Improve Sodium Balance beyond Food Processing?

Sodium plays a key role in the regulation of water balance and is also important in food formulation due to its contribution to the taste and use in the preservation of many foods. Excessive intake of any essential nutrient is problematic and this seems to be particularly the case for sodium since a high intake makes it the nutrient most strongly associated with mortality. Sodium intake has been the object of recommendations by public health agencies such as the WHO and this has resulted in efforts by the food industry to reduce the sodium content of packaged foods, although there is still room for improvement. The recent literature also emphasizes the need for other strategies, e.g., regulations and education, to promote adequate sodium intake. In the present paper, we also describe the potential benefits of a global healthy lifestyle that considers healthy eating but also physical activity habits that improve body functionality and may help to attenuate the detrimental effects of high sodium intake on body composition and cardiometabolic health. In conclusion, a reduction in sodium intake, an improvement in body functioning, and educational interventions promoting healthy eating behaviours seem to be essential for the optimal regulation of sodium balance.

"I Just Wanted a Dentist in My Phone"-Designing Evidence-Based mHealth Prototype to Improve Preschool Children's Oral and Dental Health: Multimethod Study of the Codevelopment of an App for Children's Teeth

BACKGROUND

Dental caries in preschool children is a global health concern. With increased access to technology and the disruption of health care during the pandemic, mobile health apps have been of interest as potential vehicles for individuals' health maintenance. However, little is known about caring for their child's teeth and what their preferences would be regarding the content or design of an oral health app.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to co-design the prototype of an app named App for Children's Teeth with parents, providing a source of information for them about caring for their children's teeth and promoting positive dental habits.

METHODS

This multimethod study conducted user involvement research with a purposive sample of parents or carers of children aged ≤6 years to (1) understand their use of the internet through the eHealth Literacy Scale and interviews, (2) determine their opinions about content related to children's oral health, and (3) collect feedback about the app's acceptability using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. There were three stages: (1) interviews with parents to understand their needs, preferences, and abilities; (2) prototype design with app developers; and (3) parent feedback interviews using the think aloud method for data collection. Data were deductively analyzed using a codebook strategy, whereas data from the think aloud sessions were analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The prototype design stage involved 10 parents who reported using the internet for health information but found it to be scattered and contradictory. Parents generally welcomed the App for Children's Teeth but expressed concerns about screen time and practicality. They suggested guidance regarding oral hygiene practices, teething symptoms, and pain relief. Parents appreciated features such as clear fonts, categorization according to their child's age, and "In a Nutshell" bullet points. Topics that resonated with parents included information about teething, finding a dentist, and breastfeeding. They believed that the app aligned with their goals and offered suggestions for future developments, such as outlining the process of finding a dentist and incorporating a forum for parents to communicate and exchange ideas.

CONCLUSIONS

The coproduction design approach highlighted parents' need for solutions such as mobile health apps to access reliable information about oral health. Parents identified key design concepts for the app, including a simple and uncluttered interface, content categorization according to their child's age, and practical guidance supported by visual aids. Despite potential challenges related to screen time restrictions, parents provided insights into how such an app could fit seamlessly into their lives.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/uj9az.