Predictors of sustained use of mobile health applications: Content analysis of user perspectives from a fever management app

Abstract

Objectives: Mobile health applications could be means of educating and changing behaviours of their users. Their features and qualities determine the sustainability of use. The FeverApp with two main features of information and documentation is a research-based app. In this observational cohort study, to evaluate the influential predictors of use, users’ feedback on the FeverApp, were analyzed. Methods: Feedback is given using a structured questionnaire, four Likert items and two open questions regarding positive and negative impressions, available via app menu. Conventional content analysis (inductive approach) on the two open questions was performed. Comments were grouped into 12 codes. These codes were grouped hierarchically in an iterative process into nine subcategories and lastly into two main categories ‘format’ and ‘content’. Descriptive and quantitative analysis were performed. Results: Out of 8243 users, 1804 of them answered the feedback questionnaire. The features of the app (N = 344), followed by the information aspect (N = 330) were most frequently mentioned. Documentation process (N = 226), request for new features or improvement of the current ones (N = 193), and functioning (N = 132) were also highlighted in users’ feedback. App's ease of use, design and being informative were important for the users. The first impression of the app seems important as the majority of feedback were given during the first month of using the app. Conclusion: In-app feedback function could highlight shortcomings and strengths of mobile health apps. Taking users’ feedback into consideration could increase the chance of sustained use. Besides ease of use and clear, likeable designs, users want apps that serve their needs while saving time.