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Articles

Interactive Mobile Applications in Healthcare A Comprehensive Analysis of User Experiences and Effectiveness

  • 1*,2 University of Johannesburg

* Corresponding Author: Thabo Molefe

Open Access
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59431/jms.v3i1.542
Published
Pages
31-38

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025)

Journal Mobile Technologies (JMS)
February

Abstract

mHealth applications are increasingly relevant in South Africa for addressing chronic diseases, unequal access, and resource constraints. This sequential mixed-methods study evaluated user experience and mHealth effectiveness through qualitative exploration, iterative co-design, a 12–16-week quasi-experimental trial, and an implementation evaluation guided by the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Qualitative findings highlighted the need for local language support, offline-first functionality, low data consumption, granular permissions, and light integration into clinical workflows. In the trial, the intervention achieved 72.4% adoption and 90-day retention of 51.8% (versus 41.2% and 29.7% in the comparator), alongside higher usability (SUS 78.6 vs. 65.9) and perceived usefulness (TAM) scores, and greater weekly engagement. Trust and privacy mediated the effect of privacy-by-design features on retention, while digital literacy and device ownership moderated adoption. Secondary clinical indicators showed improved HIV therapy adherence and better blood pressure control. Implementation fidelity reached 84%, and 79% of healthcare providers rated workflow compatibility as good or very good. These results support the view that mHealth success depends on fit-for-purpose, low-data, offline-first, and privacy-by-default design, supported by adaptive onboarding and workflow integration. Key recommendations include continuous engagement monitoring aligned with the IDHEM framework, transparent data governance, and low-bandwidth-friendly interoperability to enable scalability and sustainability.

Keywords

mHealth Human-Centered Design Offline-First Privacy-By-Design User Retention South Africa

How to Cite

Molefe, T., & Dlamini, N. (2025). Interactive Mobile Applications in Healthcare A Comprehensive Analysis of User Experiences and Effectiveness. Journal Mobile Technologies (JMS), 3(1), 31-38. https://doi.org/10.59431/jms.v3i1.542

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Author Biographies

  • Thabo Molefe, University of Johannesburg

    University of Johannesburg, Bunting Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa. 

  • Nolwazi Dlamini, University of Johannesburg

    University of Johannesburg, Bunting Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa. 

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Copyright (c) 2025 Thabo Molefe, Nolwazi Dlamini

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