A systematic appraisal of the information, engagement, aesthetic and functional quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps for children and adolescents

Bibliographic Data

ID15091015
AuthorsLucine Francis (0000-0002-0063-9934, Johns Hopkins University, corresponding author), Erin M Spaulding (0000-0001-8390-2277, Johns Hopkins University), India Bloom (Johns Hopkins University), Alisha Patel (0000-0002-0793-037X, Johns Hopkins University), Novella Perrin (0000-0002-2025-6543, Johns Hopkins University), Nancy Perrin
Year2023
Volume26
Issue7
Pages1368-1379
Publication date2023-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980023000526
PMID36912110
OpenAlexW4324017800
LanguageEN
References cited34

Objective: Nutrition-related smartphone applications (apps) could improve children’s nutrition knowledge and skills. However, little is known about the quality of nutrition-related apps for children. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps designed for children ages 4–17. Design: This systematic appraisal is guided by the Protocol for App Store Systematic Reviews. Setting: Using Google’s Advanced Search, we identified 1814 apps/1184 additional apps in an updated search on iOS, of which twenty-four were eligible. The apps’ objective and subjective quality were evaluated using the twenty-three-item, five-point Mobile App Rating Scale. The objective quality scale consists of four subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information. Results: Most of the apps (75 %) focussed solely on promoting nutrition skills, such as making food dishes, rather than nutrition knowledge. Of the twenty-four apps, 83 % targeted children 4–8 years old. The app objective quality mean score was 3·60 ± 0·41. The subscale mean scores were 3·20 ± 0·41 for engagement, 4·24 ± 0·47 for functionality, 4·03 ± 0·51 for aesthetics and 2·94 ± 0·62 for information. The app subjective quality mean score was 2·10 ± 0·90. Conclusions: More robust approaches to app development leveraging co-design approaches, including involving a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition information, are warranted

Alternative medicine · App store · Critical appraisal · Developmental psychology · Medical education · Mobile apps · Multidisciplinary approach · Multimedia · Rating scale · Smartphone app · Smartphone application · World Wide Web · Applied Psychology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Computer Science · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology

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