Noga Gal1, Nikki B Zite2, Lorraine S Wallace3. 1. The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43201, USA. 2. University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA. 3. The Ohio State University, Department of Family Medicine, Columbus, OH 43201, USA. Electronic address: Lorraine.Wallace@osumc.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most widely used contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in the United States (US). Routine download and use of health-related smartphone applications (apps) continues to increase. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of English-language, smartphone-platform OC reminder apps currently available for download in the US. METHODS: During June-July 2013, official Internet-based, mobile app platforms for the two major smartphone operating systems in the US-Android (Google Play Store) and iPhone (iTunes)-were searched. "Birth control," "the pill," and "contraception" were entered into the search-bar of each Smartphone store. Apps were assessed for the following: cost, health care professionals' involvement in app development, reminder mechanisms, and functionality. RESULTS: Of the 39 unique OC reminder apps meeting inclusion criteria, 7 (18%) did not operate as intended when downloaded. Most apps functioned without an Internet connection (97%) and included pop-up notifications (84%). CONCLUSIONS: Certain app features overcome common causes of missing an alarm, and hypothetically, may minimize likelihood of an OC user missing a daily pill. Health care providers should inform users of potential pitfalls and advise them that an OC reminder app should be not be used as a sole reminder method.
BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most widely used contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in the United States (US). Routine download and use of health-related smartphone applications (apps) continues to increase. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of English-language, smartphone-platform OC reminder apps currently available for download in the US. METHODS: During June-July 2013, official Internet-based, mobile app platforms for the two major smartphone operating systems in the US-Android (Google Play Store) and iPhone (iTunes)-were searched. "Birth control," "the pill," and "contraception" were entered into the search-bar of each Smartphone store. Apps were assessed for the following: cost, health care professionals' involvement in app development, reminder mechanisms, and functionality. RESULTS: Of the 39 unique OC reminder apps meeting inclusion criteria, 7 (18%) did not operate as intended when downloaded. Most apps functioned without an Internet connection (97%) and included pop-up notifications (84%). CONCLUSIONS: Certain app features overcome common causes of missing an alarm, and hypothetically, may minimize likelihood of an OC user missing a daily pill. Health care providers should inform users of potential pitfalls and advise them that an OC reminder app should be not be used as a sole reminder method.
Authors: Sion K Harris; Matthew C Aalsma; Elissa R Weitzman; Diego Garcia-Huidobro; Charlene Wong; Scott E Hadland; John Santelli; M Jane Park; Elizabeth M Ozer Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2016-12-20 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Karen M Goldstein; Leah L Zullig; Eric A Dedert; Amir Alishahi Tabriz; Timothy W Brearly; Giselle Raitz; Suchita Shah Sata; John D Whited; Hayden B Bosworth; Adelaide M Gordon; Avishek Nagi; John W Williams; Jennifer M Gierisch Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2018-10-03 Impact factor: 6.473