Content Analysis of Brazilian Mobile Applications Targeting Blood Pressure Management: A Systematic Search

Abstract

Background

Several mobile applications have been developed to assist in managing hypertension, but little is known about their quality in the Brazilian scenario.

Objective

To identify and analyze the quality of the apps targeting blood pressure (BP) management available in Portuguese.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out through Brazilian virtual app stores in the Android and iOS platforms from November 2021 to March 2022, with an update in March 2024. The search was based on the standards of systematic review (PRISMA), using predefined keywords, including apps in Portuguese, free and available for use during the search. Three independent reviewers analyzed the apps using the five-point Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), and for the presence of tools/content related to the BP control.

Results

Fifty-six applications met the criteria for data extraction. The most prevalent tool was the recording of BP values (98%). The tool for adherence to medication and reminders to their use was present in only 29% and 34% of the APPs, respectively. The mean overall MARS score was 3.4 ± 0.74 and 3.1 ± 0.61 for Android and iOS APPs, respectively, which classified then as acceptable. The best rated item was “functionality” for both Android and iOS apps.

Conclusion

The present study identified numerous apps with acceptable quality aimed at monitoring BP. However, most of them did not include important factors related to disease control, particularly regarding treatment adherence, physical activity and presence of comorbidities.