Trust attributes of mobile applications for improved self-management of diabetes in South Africa

Abstract

This research study adopted the qualitative research approach with a survey design. Questionnaires were used to solicit user trust opinions and views of mobile applications for diabetes treatment management influencing adoption and continued use. Twenty people living with diabetes participated in the study by agreeing to download and try the Diabetes:M application, a diabetes self-management application for mobile devices from Google Play store. The diabetes application enables patients to log their treatment, create reminders and track treatment progress.Results: Functionality, usability, information accuracy and reliable information generated by diabetes applications were important elements identified by patients to trust these applications. Conclusion:Research findings showed that the applications for diabetes self-management should be usable, possess enough functionalities, give accurate information for decisionmaking, be reliable and secure to enhance the trust of people with diabetes.