Mobile applications to support type 2 diabetes self-management: patient experiences, needs, and preferences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI23.11.29661Keywords:
diabetes mellitus, type 2, mobile applications, self-management, patient preferenceAbstract
Background: Mobile applications can be useful in diabetes self-management. Knowing the needs and preferences of users is essential for these tools to provide effective support in this process.
Objective: To learn about the experiences, identify needs, and explore the preferences of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus regarding mobile applications to support diabetes self-management.
Methodology: Qualitative descriptive study with 12 participants selected using the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis technique.
Results: Six categories emerged from the analysis: functions and technical characteristics, informative content, self-determination, emotional management, health professional, and facilitating factors. The results suggest poor digital skills, need for access to information, and preference for multifunctional and interactive applications.
Conclusion: Despite the limited use of health-related apps, people are interested and realize the benefit of using these tools to manage their diabetes.
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