Dominican adolescents' preferences for contents, design, and functionality of a mobile application for type 1 diabetes mellitus self-management.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this interdisciplinary study was to determine Dominican adolescents' preferences for the content, functionality (i.e., food's glycemic index list, and amount of insulin based on foods' carbohydrate count), and design of a culturally and linguistically relevant mobile application (App) for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) self-management. The App would facilitate T1DM self-management education and support by addressing providers' challenges in monitoring patients' disease progression and promoting patient adherence to recommended lifestyle changes. Findings inform an App development process that considers the linguistic and cultural values, norms, and structures of T1DM patients and their providers in the Dominican Republic.

METHODS: Phone interviews were conducted with twenty-three adolescents (14-18 years), using a semi-structured questionnaire. The research team conducted the data analysis using NVivo through a deductive and inductive approach.

RESULTS: The findings suggest that regardless of the context, adolescents with T1DM desire similar features and functionalities in a self-management App. Overall, participants preferred an App that has a graphic format with accessible information, a straightforward design, and instructional videos. Participants also desired that an App provide information and reminders about proper eating and insulin administration timing and be a vehicle to access a social network to foster mutual support and encouragement.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights adolescents' perspectives on components for inclusion in an App for T1DM self-management. Participants' recommendations for the App's potential usability, contents, and design features will be used to guide the development of a new App to promote engagement and foster better health outcomes.