Design and Development of a Mobile App Framework to Facilitate Breast Cancer-Preventive Behaviors (m-BCPB) in the At-Risk Women: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Smartphone apps are becoming a gradually universal template for an offering of preventive behavior interventions among women who are at risk of getting breast cancer. Although, only limited methodological procedures on mixing model, document, and qualitative study for their developments are presented. Thus, this study was aimed to design and develop a model-based, document-driven, and user-centered mobile app framework to facilitate breast cancer preventive behaviors targeting at-risk women. Methods The present study explains how intervention progress may be enriched with a theoretic foundation, literature review, and qualitative research. A semi-structural individual interview and focus group dissection (FGD) were accomplished to combine the user’s participation in the development. Participants were employed using a purposing sampling method. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by applying the software MAXQDA. The thematic analysis method was employed for developing themes and sub-themes. Results The ASSISTS model, self-regulation model, and the self-control model were chosen to design the app framework. Data from the literature review presented the most influential document for the designing of the programs. Nineteen women were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview and FGDs. The following five main themes revealed: content, interactive performance, template, extended action and output, and motivational nature. Mobile apps are a useful tool for learning self-care tips, suitable and healthy lifestyles, and stress management, due to their user-friendly and easy feature. The mobile app framework that developed in the present study includes culture-appropriate, user-centered, and reliable content. The mobile app design should include beautiful, visualized features, and interactive multimedia. Conclusions By applying three phases way combining a model basis, the document from the literature review, and qualitative study from the target group can be held as a pattern for the prospective app design.