Factors associated with usability of the empower-sustain self-management mobile app© among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care / Siti Mariam Abu Hussain

Objective: This study aimed to determine the usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self- Management Mobile App© and evaluate the factors associated with its usability among patients with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in primary care.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among patients aged ≥ 18 years with CV risk factors (hypertension, T2DM, dyslipidaemia and/or obesity) attending a university primary care clinic. Inclusion criteria included those who were able to read Malay, have an Android smartphone, have the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App installed, and attend the clinic twice within 6 months. Those who were diagnosed with circulatory disorders, on renal dialysis, severe hypertension, on radiotherapy, having mental disorders or pregnant. Those who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Data gathered were on sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, self-management support by doctors, utilisation of the app at home and social support in using the app. The previously translated and validated Malay version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (M-MAUQ) was used to measure usability. The mean usability score was calculated and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with usability of the app.
Results: A total of 247 patients with at least one CV risk factor(s) were recruited. The mean age was 60.2 (±8.2), and the highest proportion of participants (45%) were from the middle age group of 55– 64 years. The total mean (±SD) usability score was 5.26 (±0.67) indicating a high usability of the app. Being Malay (b= 0.31, 95% CI 0.08,0.54), using the app at home to understand their medications (b= 0.33, 95% CI 0.12,0.53) and having social support from family members and friends (b=0.28, 95% CI 0.07,0.49) were significantly associated with higher usability of the app.
Conclusion: This study found that the usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© was high among patients with CV risk factors in our primary care clinic. This finding supports the widespread use of this app among our patients. Involvement of family members and friends should be encouraged to improve usability of the app.