Utilization of and satisfaction with a mobile health application during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND RamaCovid is a mobile health application that provides the Thai population with information about COVID-19 and self-risk assessment. RamaCovid has a chatbot system that provides automatic conversations (available 24 hours per day) and a live chat function that allows users to directly communicate with health professionals (available 4 hours per day in the evening). OBJECTIVE This study investigated users’ utilization of and satisfaction with the RamaCovid application. METHODS Overall, 400 people were included and were recruited via RamaCovid by broadcasting an infographic about the study. Questionnaires collected demographic data, users’ experiences of RamaCovid, and the utilization of and satisfaction with the application. The questions were answered via a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS The users had high utilization and satisfaction with the application. They used the information to take care of themselves and their family, and they gained information about their COVID-19 risk. The users were satisfied with the application because the information was easy to understand, trustworthy, and up to date. CONCLUSIONS RamaCovid provides an example of the successful implementation of an educational mobile health application. It facilitates the communication of trustworthy and up-to-date information and has enhanced people’s ability to take care of themselves and their family during the COVID-19 pandemic.