Opinions of patients with persistent asthma regarding the use of mobile applications for disease monitoring

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We assessed adherence to treatment and management needs of adults with persistent asthma and their interest in using apps for asthma management. Secondarily, we explored patients' opinions about an app to assess and improve adherence to treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adults with persistent asthma (49.9±15.8 years) recruited at outpatient clinics from a district hospital. Participants answered a survey on sociodemographic, asthma control, treatment adherence and use of mobile devices, social networks and apps. Four patients participated in a prospective extension of the study, in which they were invited to use the InspirerMundi app. RESULTS: 48% of the participants had at least ≥1 exacerbation in the previous year and 85% had uncontrolled asthma. Self-reported adherence to treatment showed that one in four participants had low adherence. At least daily, 55% of participants navigated on the internet with their smartphone/tablet, 35% used apps and 93% social networks. Nine (22%) participants had previously used health/fitness apps and 65% would like to use apps to improve inhaler adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants had uncontrolled asthma, reported high adherence to treatment and were daily users of social networks and the internet. Only 1/4 used apps but 2/3 would like to use apps to support asthma management.

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