Earticle

초록

영어

Background: Mobile applications (apps) on dietary supplements can increase consumers’ access to information. However, it can lead to indiscriminate use of dietary supplements. This study aims to systematically review dietary supplement apps released in English and Korean and evaluate the quality of those apps. Methods: Through the app stores, apps on dietary supplements were systemically searched and examined. Two independent evaluators evaluated the apps and presented a mean score using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The correlation between MARS scores, user and evaluator ratings, and the number of secondary features of the apps were analyzed. Results: Of the 2,772 dietary supplement apps identified, 17 apps were included according to the selection criteria. The mean MARS score was 3.28 (standard deviation: 0.29) out of 5. Apps had higher scores in aesthetics and functionality dimensions, while engagement and information dimensions had lower scores. There was a positive correlation between the number of app downloads and information among MARS dimensions. The subjective evaluation also correlated with the information dimension. There was a positive correlation between the secondary features of the apps and MARS total score as well as the engagement dimension. Conclusion: The dietary supplement apps need to be managed at a higher level of quality to provide safe and reliable information to consumers. Especially, quality on information and engagement dimensions can be improved. Involvement of healthcare professionals in the app development, management with adequate referencing of information, and use of secondary features for enhanced user engagement can be helpful.

목차

ABSTRACT
Methods
Systematic Search Strategy
App Selection
Data Collection and Evaluation
App Quality Assessment Using MARS
Statistical Analysis
Results
Results of App selection
Characteristics of included apps
Overall app quality evaluation using MARS
Relationships Between App Characteristics and Quality
Discussion
Conclusion
Conflicts of Interest
References

키워드

저자

• Hyeon Ji Lee [ Institute for Digital Life Convergence, Dankook University, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea ]
• Si Hyun Seong [ Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea ]
• Hyunjin Chung [ Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea ]
• Yun Jeong Lee [ Institute for Digital Life Convergence, Dankook University, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea ] Corresponding Author
• Jae-Hyun Kim [ Institute for Digital Life Convergence, Dankook University, Department of Health Administration, College of Health Science, Dankook University ] Corresponding Author

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  한국임상약학회지 [Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  1226-6051

• 수록기간

  1991~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재

• 십진분류

  KDC 518 DDC 615