Quality review and content analysis of liver complications mobile apps in Iran: A statistical and machine learning approach

Abstract

Background

Liver disease accounts for 4 % of global mortality. The advent of mobile technology has introduced a novel domain in liver disease management. Identifying effective mobile apps with pertinent information on liver diseases is essential. This study seeks to evaluate liver disease-related mobile applications using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) quality assessment tool.

Method

This research employs a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical methodology focusing on liver disease-related mobile applications. We evaluated all Persian and English mobile applications available on the Google Play, Cafe Bazaar, and Myket Stores dedicated to liver diseases until 2023. After eliminating duplicates, evaluators extracted technical specifications and features of apps. The MARS was employed to assess the quality of the mobile applications. Both statistical and machine learning methods were employed for analysis.

Results

A total of 2,044 mobile applications were identified, with 49 selected for final analysis. The apps focused on liver-related issues included general liver disease (n = 20, 40.82 %), hepatitis (n = 9, 18.37 %), and fatty liver disease (n = 8, 16.33 %). In terms of functionality, the majority of apps (n = 20, 40.82 %) served as calculators, with 15 specifically for calculation. Among these, three integrated educational elements, and two also supported diet and fitness alongside calculator functions. Additionally, 20 apps aimed to provide educational and informative content. The average quality score was 3.17 (SD = 0.20), with scores ranging from 2.33 to 4.45. Generally, the mean score of Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics and Information were 4.20 (SD = 0.67), 4.00 (SD = 0.67), 4.00 (SD = 0.92), and 4.00 (SD = 0.67), respectively. The highest Subjective quality score was 4.75.

Conclusions

Liver disease-related mobile applications serve users in educational, diet and lifestyle, calculation, risk assessment, and management domains, focusing mainly on general liver diseases and hepatitis. However, the results revealed that the apps lack sufficient and reliable information.