Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App for Acne Self-Management Education

Thesis Abstract

Acne vulgaris remains one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions affecting adolescents and young adults worldwide, often resulting in significant psychological distress and diminished quality of life due to inadequate self-management knowledge and inconsistent treatment adherence. Despite the widespread use of digital technology, there is limited evidence on the development and efficacy of targeted mobile health interventions specifically designed to enhance self-management education for acne sufferers. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a mobile application tailored to improve self-management practices among individuals with acne, grounded in the Health Belief Model and Self-Efficacy Theory to ensure the app effectively influences users’ perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and confidence in managing their condition. The objectives of this research are to design a user-centered mobile app incorporating evidence-based acne self-management information, assess its usability and acceptability among the target population, and evaluate its impact on users’ knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and actual self-management behaviors. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, with a sequential explanatory design comprising three phases. In the first phase, a quantitative survey involving 300 adolescents and young adults aged 15-30 years from dermatology clinics and community settings will identify key learning requirements and technological preferences, using structured questionnaires validated through Cronbach's alpha and content validity indices. The second phase involves the development of the mobile app utilizing agile design principles, employing wireframing, coding, and iterative testing with 30 potential end-users, and assessing usability via the System Usability Scale (SUS). The third phase involves a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 200 participants assigned to either the intervention group receiving access to the app or a control group receiving standard care over a 12-week period. Data collection instruments include pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measuring acne knowledge (via a 20-item multiple-choice test), self-efficacy (using the General Self-Efficacy Scale adapted for skin conditions), and self-reported adherence to skin care routines. Qualitative feedback on user experiences will be gathered through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, paired t-tests and ANCOVA to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes, and multiple regression analysis to explore predictors of improved self-management. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, will be used to interpret qualitative data, providing insight into user engagement and barriers to app utilization. Expected findings include significant improvements in acne-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and adherence behaviors among app users compared to controls, supported by positive usability ratings and high engagement levels. The study anticipates that the mobile app will serve as an effective educational tool capable of enhancing self-management skills, thereby reducing acne severity and reinforcing the theoretical underpinnings of health behavior change. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of mobile health interventions specifically designed for acne self-management, filling a notable gap in digital dermatological health education. It offers evidence-based guidance on integrating formative user input with theory-driven design to optimize engagement and health outcomes. The findings will inform clinicians, app developers, and policymakers about the potential of mobile apps as scalable and accessible tools for dermatological health promotion. It is recommended that future studies consider long-term follow-up to assess sustained behavior change and explore integration with electronic health records for personalized management. In conclusion, this study affirms the role of tailored digital interventions in improving dermatological health literacy and self-care practices, with broader implications for chronic skin condition management worldwide.