Tofighi B, Chemi C, Ruiz-Valcarcel J, Hein P, Hu L. (2019). Smartphone apps targeting alcohol and illicit substance use: Systematic search in commercial app stores and critical content analysis. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 7(4): e11831. doi: 10.2196/11831
Researchers searched for low-cost (less than $1 USD) mobile applications (apps) designed to reduce substance use in the iTunes and Google Play app stores and in scientific literature databases. Apps were reviewed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and critical analysis of app features. Researchers used each app for at least 15 minutes, rated MARS items on a 5-point Likert scales, and calculated individual subscale scores (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality, satisfaction) and composite scores for each app. Critical analysis was guided by expert guidelines and past research in design of mHealth apps for substance use disorders (SUDs) and evaluated intervention strategies, supporting evidence, privacy measures, and negative features used in each app. Most of the final sample (n = 74) focused exclusively alcohol (n = 40). The median composite MARS score was 2.82, with average subscale scores ranging from 1.76 (satisfaction) to 3.64 (functionality). Innovative features included initial assessments, substance use and related consequence tracking, peer support, and treatment program locators, but the execution of some of these features was lacking. For example, several apps that claimed to connect users to peers, clinicians, or recovery resources were inactive or included dead links. Only one app demonstrated clear use of an evidence-based approach to treatment of SUDs (i.e. Self-Management and Recovery Training to evaluate the costs and benefits of abstinence). Negative app features observed by researchers included excessive use of advertisements, requiring Google or Facebook log-ins, requiring in-app purchases to access features, and substance use-enabling content.