A Systematic Content Review of Google Android OS-Based Asthma Self-Management Apps in Indonesia

Abstract

Ghozali, Satibi, Zullies Ikawati, Lutfan Lazuardi

A lot of asthma self-management apps were commercially available on the market; however, they make potential users confuse to decide which one is suitable for them. This study was aimed to analyze the contents in the asthma apps available in Indonesian Google Playstore. This study utilized a systematic approach to analyze the contents of asthma self-management apps during February to March 2019. It was started by filtering apps with specific keywords including “asthma”, “asthma control”, “asthma control test”, “asthma relief”, and “asthma education”. Inclusion criteria included apps built specifically for asthma, available for download from Google Playstore, should be in English, free of charge, and rated 4-star or above. Exclusion criteria included all asthma apps that required invitation from publisher to use, were unable to be tested due to technical difficulties, and developed not for patients. All selected apps were then analyzed and examined for the contents. This study found that most asthma self-management apps contain various degrees of asthma education ranging from medical to alternative treatment, list of medication, medication usage, asthma control test, asthma action plan, asthma diary, and symptom monitor. Less popular contents included peak flow recorder, game-based asthma quiz, and lung function. An ideal asthma self-management apps should feature asthma self-management education appropriate with international guidelines and involving health care professionals, symptom monitor including peak flow readings, list of medication, medication usage, asthma action plan, and asthma control test.