Examining the Success Factors for Mobile Applications for Self-Management of Diabetic Treatment in a South African Context

Diabetic patients must have the capacity and ability to effectively manage their treatment regimen. Various mobile applications (apps) have been produced and deployed to help these patients assume personal responsibility for their medications, without essentially looking for assistance from health centers or medical personnel. Despite the view that mobile apps can support self-management behaviour amongst diabetic patients, extant literature reveals that adoption and use has lagged behind. Various factors need to be considered to dispel the negative perception over acceptance and use of these apps to enhance adoption. This study investigated factors that influence adoption of these apps for improved diabetic conditions by patients away from hospitals and clinical personnel. The study was conducted in the city of East London, South Africa. Twenty diabetic patients on chronic medication and three health providers working with diabetic patients were asked to try the Diabetes: M app for a period of not less than two months. Interviews were held to investigate their perceptions of the diabetes management app. Findings from the study are critical success factors that include perceived value, perceived risks and perceived costs in diabetic apps which are believed to play a significant part in patients to influence their adoption and use of apps for their conditions management. Creating awareness of these apps also play a role in making the success of diabetes apps for widespread adoption.