Development of a Smartphone App for Women Living With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a type of blood glucose intolerance or hyperglycemia that occurs during pregnancy, is a common condition increasing in prevalence both globally and in Australia. Mobile health apps have been shown to be a useful resource for women with type 1 diabetes and could successfully contribute to GDM management by facilitating healthy behaviors.

Objective: This study aimed to seek the perspectives of health care consumers (HCCs) and health professionals (HPs) regarding the development of a smartphone app for women living with GDM.

Methods: A co-design process with 4 distinct phases underpinned the development of SugarMumma. Phase 1 involved a nonsystematic literature search followed by the creation of an app functions wish list. In phase 2, semistructured interviews with HCCs and HPs were undertaken and then thematically analyzed. In phase 3, a prototype was designed based on social cognitive theory and stakeholder recommendations. Agile project management methodology was used, followed by "user acceptance testing." During phase 4, a second round of individual interviews was undertaken with HCCs and HPs. The same qualitative methods outlined in phase 2 were used.

Results: In phase 2, individual and didactic interviews were undertaken with HCCs (n=2) and HPs (n=6). Two overarching themes encompassing recommendations for app development emerged: (1) functionality and (2) individualized care. SugarMumma was created in phase 3. Phase 4 involved a second round of individual interviews with HCCs (n=1) and HPs (n=5), resulting in the final theme (3) future directions.

Conclusions: With increasing numbers of people using smartphones, mobile health apps can help manage chronic conditions such as GDM. SugarMumma was designed following extensive stakeholder input. Good functionality, regular notifications, appealing visual aids, positive feedback, relevant dietary advice, and exporting information to HPs are important features to include.

Keywords: application; blood glucose level; chronic condition; diabetes; dietary; evidence-based; gestational diabetes mellitus; glucose intolerance; hyperglycemia; interview; mHealth; mellitus; mhealth; mobile apps; mobile health application; pregnancy; self-management; smartphone app; smartphone apps; type 1 diabetes; women's health.