Development of a Mobile App for Monitoring and Managing Pediatric Asthma Symptoms

Thesis Abstract

Pediatric asthma remains a significant public health challenge globally, characterized by episodic airway obstruction that necessitates continuous monitoring and effective management to prevent severe exacerbations and improve quality of life. Despite advancements in clinical guidelines, reliance on traditional paper-based symptom diaries and sporadic clinical visits limits timely intervention and accurate symptom tracking, especially among children living in resource-constrained settings. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a tailored mobile application designed to facilitate real-time monitoring and management of pediatric asthma symptoms among children aged 6 to 12 years, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. The primary objectives are to (1) design and develop a user-centered mobile application based on established asthma management protocols and health behavior theories, specifically the Health Belief Model and Self-Regulation Theory; (2) assess the app’s usability and acceptability within the target user population; (3) evaluate the impact of the app on children's asthma control levels, frequency of exacerbations, and adherence to medication; and (4) analyze the app’s potential to enhance communication between caregivers and healthcare providers. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study will involve a quantitative quasi-experimental component with a sample of 200 children diagnosed with persistent asthma, randomly assigned to intervention and control groups, and a qualitative component comprising focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 40 caregivers and 10 healthcare professionals. Data collection instruments include a validated Pediatric Asthma Control Test (PACT), Usage Satisfaction Questionnaire, and semi-structured interview guides. The quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and multiple regression analyses to determine the effect of the app on asthma control and adherence. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to explore user perceptions, barriers, and facilitators to app adoption. It is anticipated that the mobile app will significantly improve asthma control scores, reduce the frequency of emergency episodes, and increase medication adherence among the intervention group compared to controls. The thematic analysis is expected to reveal high usability satisfaction, with identified barriers including technical literacy and access issues, and facilitating factors such as caregiver engagement and perceived health benefits. The study is expected to contribute novel insights into ICT-driven interventions in pediatric asthma management, grounded in behavioral change theories, and to provide a scalable model for integrating mobile health solutions into routine care. The development process incorporated iterative user-centered design processes, involving pediatric patients, caregivers, and clinicians to ensure relevance, usability, and cultural appropriateness. Furthermore, the application includes features such as symptom tracking, medication reminders, educational resources, and real-time alerts to healthcare providers, aligned with international asthma management guidelines. In conclusion, this research will demonstrate that a well-designed mobile application can serve as an effective adjunct in pediatric asthma management, fostering better disease control and reducing healthcare burdens. Recommendations include wider implementation of the app within clinical practice, integration with electronic health records, and ongoing user training to maximize engagement. Future studies should examine long-term adherence effects, scalability across diverse populations, and integration with telehealth platforms to further enhance pediatric asthma care delivery.