Initial development and testing of a measure of credibility of mobile health apps: a clinical study among women seeking prenatal care

ABSTRACT

As misinformation is linked to poor health outcomes for pregnant women, and mobile apps provide free and unregulated access to information, it is important to understand the role of credibility in mobile health. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess a reliable scale for measuring mobile health (mHealth) credibility. Based on a previous measure for assessing web credibility, we also sought to identify source credibility dimensions for mobile apps. The mHealth credibility scale included seven items. Three scale dimensions were identified: concern, character, and competence. Both referent source for mobile apps and app developer were significantly associated with perceived mHealth credibility. This study is a first attempt to both design and test a measure of credibility for mobile health apps. This mHealth credibility scale can be used to guide future app development, communication, and medical research.

Disclosure statement

There are no known conflicts of interest. However, the views expressed within this publication represent those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the US. Government, the U.S. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, or the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

IRB approval statement

IRB approval was received for all authors and this project.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the US. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness [FAM 81-3193].