Contex
Chronic stress presents a growing, pervasive burden in healthcare, and mobile smartphone
applications (apps) have the potential to deliver evidence-based stress management
strategies. This review identified and evaluated stress management apps across domains
of (1) evidence-based content; (2) transparency in app development; and (3) functionality
of the app interface.
Evidence acquisition
The iOS App Store was systematically searched. Apps with descriptions indicating that
they targeted the intended audience and included evidence-related terminology, at
least one evidence-based stress management strategy, and behavior change components
were downloaded and evaluated by two independent raters across the three domains of
evidence-based content, transparency, and functionality.
Evidence synthesis
A total of 902 apps were identified based on 21 searches. Of these, 60 met study criteria
and were downloaded and evaluated between April and June 2015. Twenty (33%) ultimately
did not deliver an evidence-based strategy. Of the delivered strategies, the most
common were mindfulness and meditation (73%) and diaphragmatic breathing (25%). On
average, apps addressed half of the transparency criteria, and nearly all (85%) were
acceptable across usability criteria. A total of 32 apps included both evidence-based
content and exhibited no problems with usability or functionality; apps affiliated
with a non-profit, research-engaged institution comprised 31% of these.
Conclusions
This review evaluated 60 iOS apps for stress management across domains of evidence-based
content, transparency, and functionality; these apps have the potential to effectively
supplement medical care. Findings further indicate that a comprehensive, multi-domain
approach can distinguish apps that use evidence-based strategies from those that do
not.
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Article info
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Published online: March 15, 2016
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© 2016 Published by American Journal of Preventive Medicine on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine
