Analysis of mobile applications for diabetes self-management in Thailand

Abstract

With advances in mobile technology, use of mobile devices like smartphones, has grown rapidly around the world including Thailand. Many mobile applications (apps) have been launched to help patients with chronic non-communicable diseases to manage their health behavior. However, little is known about the apps available in commercial application stores. Our study aimed to explore and evaluate the content and features of free download mobile apps available for diabetes self-management according to eight categories: (1) information support; (2) subscription requirement; (3) notifications; (4) visual aids; (5) goal setting; (6) export data; (7) medical consultation; and (8) compatibility. We found 22 apps available in the AppStore and 84 apps in the Google Play store. The applications available in the App Store could be categorized as tracking only (23%) as well as tracking and education (77%) with the three most common features; visual aids (95%), export data (82%), and notification (73%). The applications on Google Play store could be categorized into 4 groups; tracking (35%), tracking and education (15%), education alone (29%), and diabetes food recipes (21%). The apps in the tracking and tracking and education groups had a wide range of features, with app scores ranging from one to seven. Apps in the education and diabetes food recipe groups only had one feature - information support. Many apps also contained advertisements, with no references provided. Therefore, it may be practical that healthcare providers explore each application before recommending to their patients. Mobile apps that specifically fit the Thai setting, with quality assessment of the reliability of information as well as assessment of e-health literacy are needed for diabetes self-management among Thai patients.