|
Assessing the Quality of Mobile Health Applications for Medication Adherence in Iran
|
Mahnaz Samadbeik   , Ali Garavand , Atefeh Abtin , Cirruse Salehnasab1 |
| 1- , cirruse.salehnasab@gmail.com |
|
|
Abstract: (39 Views) |
Introduction: Mobile health applications have emerged as essential tools to improve medication adherence due to their high accessibility and the widespread use of smartphones. The quality of these apps in terms of design, functionality, data security, and user experience directly influences their effectiveness. Despite the growing use of such applications in Iran, limited studies have systematically assessed their quality. This study aimed to evaluate and rank mobile health applications related to medication adherence in Iran.
Methods: This applied cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Applications were identified from the Cafe Bazaar platform using the keywords “medication,” “pharmacy,” and “medication reminder.” After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 eligible applications were selected. Evaluation was performed using a researcher-designed checklist and the standardized Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Data were collected by four independent reviewers (two health information technology experts, one clinical pharmacist, and one epidemiologist). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16 with descriptive and analytical methods.
Results: Out of 1,336 initially identified apps, 8 were eligible for evaluation. More than half of them were up-to-date, and all included features such as data security, multi-user support, and offline reminders. However, none provided privacy protection, adherence scoring, or adherence statistics. Overall, the quality of the apps was heterogeneous, and only a limited number met most of the expected operational and functional features.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that while mobile health applications for medication adherence in Iran possess some basic features, they lack critical elements and alignment with international standards. The absence of privacy protection and adherence feedback mechanisms were the most significant shortcomings. It is recommended that developers incorporate recognized standards such as MARS in app design, and that health policymakers establish regulatory frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of these applications. |
|
| Keywords: Evaluation, Quality, Drug Adherence, Mobile Applications |
|
|
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/4 | Accepted: 2025/09/29 | Published: 2026/02/3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
