Usability, Acceptability and Satisfaction of a New Mobile Intervention among Nepalese Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus is among the most common pregnancy complications with various adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Mobile health technology offers new opportunities to enhance its care and support self-management. This study aims to assess the ‘Garbhakalin Diabetes athawa Madhumeha-Dhulikhel Hospital’ application app’s usability, acceptability and satisfaction to support the treatment and self-management of gestational diabetes mellitus among Nepalese women. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 46 women of an intervention arm of a parent randomized controlled trial was conducted. The ethical/institutional review boards of Rutgers University (Pro2019001883) and the Nepal Health Research Council approved the study (Ref number: 735/2019). Perceived usability and acceptability of the application was assessed using the System Usability Scale and mobile Health Application Usability Questionnaire. To assess satisfaction with gestational diabetes mellitus care, the Oxford Maternity Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire was used. Frequencies and percentages are reported for categorical variables, and means and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results: The average time spent on the application was 37 minutes/per day, with 12 minutes of engagement per session. The mean score on System Usability Scale was 72.12±4.78; 44 (95.56%) participants liked using the application, 45 (97.76%) found it easy, and 40 (86.91%) praised its functional integration. The mean score on the mobile Health Application Usability Questionnaire and Oxford Maternity Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire were 118.32 ±8.84 and 15.82±4.09 respectively. Conclusions: The mobile application demonstrated strong usability and was well-accepted by Nepalese women with gestational diabetes mellitus, suggesting it is a promising tool for self-management support.