Exploring the efficacy, availability and perceptions towards using mobile applications for diabetes self-management in Saudi Arabia

Alhamoudi, Abdulhakem (2023). Exploring the efficacy, availability and perceptions towards using mobile applications for diabetes self-management in Saudi Arabia. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Alhamoudi2023PhD_Redacted.pdf
Text - Redacted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (13MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Many mobile and web-based applications are used to support diabetes self-management. However, up-to-date evidence of their effectiveness, availability and the attitudes of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards them is sparse.

Project’s Aims and Objectives: The main aim of this project was to explore the efficacy, availability and perceptions towards using mobile applications for diabetes self-management in Saudi Arabia. To accomplish this aim, the following objectives were set: (1) To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to explore the nature and effectiveness of mobile and web applications to support diabetes self-management; (2) To conduct a systematic review aiming to explore the knowledge and attitudes of patients and HCPs towards mobile and web applications to support diabetes self-management; (3) To conduct web-based research to explore the availability and features of mobile applications in the Google Play Store® for diabetes self-management; (4) To conduct a survey study to explore patients' beliefs, experiences, attitudes and knowledge of using mobile applications in supporting diabetes self-management; (5) To conduct a survey study to explore HCPs beliefs, experiences, attitudes and knowledge regarding the use of mobile applications in supporting diabetes self-management by patients.

Methods: Based on the aims and objectives, several methods were used in this project: a systematic review, web-based content analysis and surveys. In the systematic reviews, several data synthesis approaches were used: meta-analysis, narrative synthesis and qualitative evidence synthesis. The AADE 7 Self-care Behaviour® model, the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) were utilised throughout these studies.

Results: In the first study, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 were RCTs and two were observational studies. In the second study, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 402 application results from the search of the third study. Of those, 45 apps met the inclusion criteria. For the patient survey in the fourth study, there were 277 participants. Of these, only 179 were eligible. In the fifth study, 89 HCPs participated in the survey, but only 71 were eligible.

Conclusion: There is no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of mobile and web applications in supporting diabetes self-management by improving HbA1c and QoL. There could be several reasons for the lack of effectiveness. In general, qualitative evidence synthesis shows that patients and HCPs are not users, or limited users, of the currently available mobile diabetes self-management applications. They are looking for more sophisticated, interactive, smart, reliable, personalised, customisable, educational, easy-to-use and cost-effective applications. After investigating the Google app store, the number of available applications is high but are limited to supporting only some self-management tasks. Patients are required to install a variety of apps to self-manage their diabetes. The findings also suggest that patients and HCPs may find such a high number of applications overwhelming if there is no guidance or accreditation system in place. In the Saudi Arabian population, most of the study participants used mobile applications and considered them very useful and easy to use, regardless of the issues that some of them faced. However, a limited number of HCPs recommend mobile applications for their patients, despite their belief that diabetes mobile applications are useful. Finally, the general view of the final two studies was that diabetes mobile applications are useful and easy to use. This may affect future adaption positively, according to the TAM model.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):