Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim
Mobile applications for asthma self‐management have significant potential to enhance outcomes by facilitating symptom monitoring, medication adherence reminders, and access to educational resources Grounded in Information, Motivation, and Behavior model (IMB), this study evaluates the extent to which existing asthma apps align with these evidence‐based components. This study aims to analyze the content and features of asthma self‐management apps through the lens of the IMB model.
Methods
Asthma apps were retrieved by searching in the Google Play Store using the keywords “Asthma app” and “Asthma tracker.” The eligible apps were selected based on the study's inclusion criteria, and their content was investigated. Then, the apps that addressed at least two or more components of the IMB model were considered as the final list of apps for the study. Finally, the apps were evaluated via a structured content analysis based on predefined IMB Model criteria.
Results
Of the 17 reviewed apps, only 6 apps (35.2%) incorporated all three components of the IMB model. Eleven apps focused on education, 16 on personal motivation, 12 on social motivation, and 15 on behavioral skills. All apps included some motivation component, while behavioral skills were covered in all except two apps, “Right Breath” and “Asthma Aust.” The apps prioritized different aspects of the IMB model, with a strong emphasis on asthma education and personal motivation features such as medication tracking and treatment plans. The most comprehensive apps identified were “My Asthma Today,” “Kiss My Asthma,” “Find Air – Asthma Diary,” and “Asthma MD.”
Conclusion
Considering the wide range of aspects involved in asthma self‐management, the available apps have not sufficiently covered all aspects of asthma self‐management according to the IMB model.