Chapman C, Champion KE, Birrell L, et al. 2018. Smartphone apps about crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”): Systematic search in app stores and assessment of composition and quality. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 6(11): e10442
Researchers conducted a systematic search for mobile applications (apps) with educational information about crystal meth to evaluate quality. Researchers searched the Google Play and Apple app stores using keywords related to methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine specifically, and illicit drugs generally. Researchers recorded key features of each app (e.g., name, developer, cost, theoretical background, affiliation, target audience). After using each app for at least 10 minutes, researchers rated app quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), which includes subscales for engagement features, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Researchers also rated their perceptions that target audiences would be likely to use the app (i.e. subjective quality on the MARS). Researchers rated 18 apps. Most apps (n=12) were free, with 5 paid apps costing between $1.49 and $42.99. Most apps focused on methamphetamine and other drugs (n=14), only 4 apps focused on crystal methamphetamine exclusively. Researchers identified affiliations for 14 apps, including 10 affiliated with commercial organizations, 3 affiliated with educational or governmental organizations, and 1 affiliated with non-government organizations. The mean total MARS score was 3.0 (poor to acceptable). Apps received the highest mean scores on the functionality subscale (4.0) and the lowest mean scores on the engagement subscale (2.3). The mean subjective quality score was 1.8 (poor to inadequate). The highest rated apps (both with a mean score of 4.0) were an educational substance use prevention game for young people (ages 13-16) and a recovery support app involving support from real-life guides and automated check-ins.