Demand Analysis of Mobile Health Applications for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Across Different E-Health Literacy Levels: A Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge, necessitating ongoing management and exerting considerable pressure on healthcare systems. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have demonstrated potential in improving self-management among CKD patients. Yet, to develop effective and user-focused mHealth apps, it is crucial to understand the distinct needs and preferences of patients across various e-health literacy levels.

This study aims to utilize the Kano model to identify and prioritize the self-management needs and user interface (UI) requirements of a mHealth app tailored for Chinese CKD patients with varying levels of e-health literacy.

This multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to September 2023, utilizing face-to-face questionnaires to gather sociodemographic data and preferences related to self-management content and UI features. Data analysis involved attribute partitioning and Better-Worse coefficient calculations, with the Kano model categorizing user preferences into five distinct groups: must-be, one-dimensional, attractive, indifferent, and reverse.

The study analyzed responses from 484 valid questionnaires, noting that 47.2% of respondents were female. CKD patients indicated diverse preferences for self-management content such as disease knowledge, diet management, and symptom management. Additionally, there was varied interest in UI features including font choices, color schemes, and privacy protection mechanisms. These findings underscore the necessity of considering e-health literacy levels when designing mHealth apps tailored for CKD patient needs. This approach ensures that the apps are accessible and effective for users with different levels of technological proficiency.

This study highlights the need to design mHealth apps specifically for Chinese CKD patients with varying e-health literacy levels. Utilizing the Kano model, developers can focus on features that enhance user satisfaction and engagement, leading to personalized apps that empower patients, improve self-management, and boost health outcomes. This emphasizes the value of user-centered design in creating effective healthcare technologies.