A Systematic Review of Cervical Cancer Mobile Applications and a Future Directions for Developers

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of mobile health (mHealth) applications that promote cervical cancer awareness and provide screening assistance, with an emphasis on apps available on the Google Play Store and iOS. Methods: From December 2023 to February 2024, we assessed mobile applications focused on cervical cancer screening that are available on Google Play and Apple iTunes. The “Cervical Cancer,” “Mobile Application,” “Pap Test,” “Cervical Cancer Guide,” “Human Papillomavirus,” plus “Cervical Screening are the keywords used to search the applications.” Data collection includes features such as application name, pricing, download metrics, invention date, last update, affiliation, online access, login requirements, and notification functionality, which were gathered in Excel. Interrater reliability based on four reviewers’ independent judgments, varied from 0.75 to 0.83. Result: In our research, we found 25 apps (16 on the Google Play Store and 9 on iOS). After a thorough review, only 14 relevant apps were included. According to the MARS rating, Rise Against Cancer received the highest score (3.9), followed by FightHPV and Cervical Cancer Forum (3.8). Rise Against Cancer (29), HPV Vaccine (28), and CDC STI Tx Guidelines (28) scored highest in the APPLICATIONS rating system. Hope 4 All and OCI Cervibreast closely matched the statements, meeting seven of the thirteen requirements each. Conclusion: Future app developers should produce user-friendly, often updated mHealth applications that include high-quality cervical cancer awareness and screening content. These apps should provide validated information and pleasant graphic effects.