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A Pilot Evaluation of mHealth App Accessibility for Three Top-Rated Weight Management Apps by People with Disabilities

Author

Listed:
  • Erin Radcliffe

    (Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA)

  • Ben Lippincott

    (Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA)

  • Raeda Anderson

    (Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
    Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • Mike Jones

    (Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA)

Abstract

Growing evidence demonstrates that people with disabilities face more challenges in accessing healthcare and wellness resources, compared to non-disabled populations. As mobile applications focused on health and wellness (mHealth apps) become prevalent, it is important that people with disabilities can access and use mHealth apps. At present, there is no source of unified information about the accessibility and usability of mHealth apps for people with disabilities. We set out to create such a source, establishing a systematic approach for evaluating app accessibility. Our goal was to develop a simple, replicable app evaluation process to generate useful information for people with disabilities (to aid suitable app selection) and app developers (to improve app accessibility and usability). We collected data using two existing assessment instruments to test three top-rated weight management apps with nine users representing three disability groups: vision, dexterity, and cognitive impairment. Participants with visual impairments reported the lowest accessibility ratings, most challenges, and least tolerance for issues. Participants with dexterity impairments experienced significant accessibility-related difficulties. Participants with cognitive impairments experienced mild difficulties and higher tolerances for issues. Our pilot protocol will be applied to test mHealth apps and populate a “curation” website to assist consumers in selecting mHealth apps.

Suggested Citation

  • Erin Radcliffe & Ben Lippincott & Raeda Anderson & Mike Jones, 2021. "A Pilot Evaluation of mHealth App Accessibility for Three Top-Rated Weight Management Apps by People with Disabilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3669-:d:528178
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michael Jones & John Morris & Frank Deruyter, 2018. "Mobile Healthcare and People with Disabilities: Current State and Future Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Kinne, S. & Patrick, D.L. & Doyle, D.L., 2004. "Prevalence of Secondary Conditions among People with Disabilities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(3), pages 443-445.
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    Cited by:

    1. Guanyu Li & Dian Li & Tang Tang, 2023. "Bibliometric Review of Design for Digital Inclusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-16, July.

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