ISO/IEC 25010- based Quality evaluation of three mobile applications for reproductive health services in Morocco

Abstract

Abstract Background and objective. Mobile apps for postnatal, contraception, and prenatal care are crucial for enhancing the health of mothers and babies. These apps provide daily monitoring and resources, including reliable infant care, feeding, and maternal recovery information. Contraception apps give individuals the means to make informed family planning decisions and access various contraception methods. Prenatal apps offer expectant mothers educational resources, tracking tools for pregnancy milestones, and a connection to healthcare providers for important check-ups and screenings, all while boosting doctor-patient communication. The apps also often include discussion forums where users can connect and share experiences. By providing access to care, information, and support, these mobile apps significantly ensure mothers and babies receive the necessary resources and care to thrive. This study assesses the software quality (SQ) of three reproductive health monitoring mobile apps using ISO/IEC 25010 and ISO/IEC 25023 standards. The aim of the study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each app in terms of SQ, with the goal of providing valuable information for users who are considering using one of these apps. By examining the positive aspects of each app, the study provides insights into what makes them a valuable choice. Similarly, by identifying negative points in terms of quality, the study provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement, so that the apps can be evaluated and improved over time. Methods. A three-step analysis process was implemented, of which the initial step involved examining the sub-features and features of the ISO/IEC 25010 standard for Software Product Quality (SPQ). The next step involved developing a checklist that summarizes the effect of the three mobile apps on SPQ. Finally, a calculation was performed to assess the impact of each requirement block on both the SPQ and the Quality in Use model. Results. The findings indicate the Functional Suitability SPQ characteristic is greatly influenced by the predefined requirements, followed by the Operability, Performance Efficiency, Reliability, and Security SQ characteristics. Therefore, developers, designers, and testers must factor in these requirements throughout the development cycle of health mobile apps to produce a high-quality, patient-centered product with significant added value. Conclusion. This study generated various requirements for pregnancy monitoring and childcare apps, providing a useful reference for developers in creating high-quality apps also assessing the quality of these kinds of apps. The software development process must consider SPQ characteristics to create a high-quality product with crucial KPIs, leading to better evaluations in app stores and increased user adoption and satisfaction.