Qualitative Assessment of Health Apps: An Emerging Market Study

Abstract

Aims: Increased usage of health apps has led to need for their quality assessment for safeguarding interest of various stakeholders. This study attempts to undertake qualitative assessment of health apps in an emerging market, India. Study Design: Health apps were evaluated by the experts and secondary data was used for rating of the health apps. Indian food data base was used for evaluating content accuracy. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, between January 2019 and August 2019. Methodology: Top 10 health apps, identified from response of 400 users, are assessed qualitatively by expert raters using App Quality Evaluation Questionnaire. Content accuracy in terms of macronutrient measurements is assessed using Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE). Relationship between average user ratings and various aspects of qualitative assessment is explored using linear regression. Results: Majority of the apps performed well in terms of functionality, interactivity, security and aesthetics. Relatively poor performance is observed in terms of accountability, behavior change techniques and scientific coverage. Regression analysis indicate that Functionality (p=0.035) and engagement (p=0.024) features significantly influence user ratings and overshadow scientific coverage and accuracy (p=0.798). MAPE values indicate considerable variations from Indian food data base across the apps especially in terms of protein and energy. Conclusion: Quality assessment of top 10 health apps, in Indian scenario, indicates that the apps are proficient on functionality. At the same time, the apps fair poorly in terms of scientific content and accountability. There is a pertinent need for statutory regulations as well as voluntary efforts for improving the scientific content. Collaborative efforts of app developers with scientific institutions should be promoted.