Development of a Mobile App for Pediatric Asthma Self-Management and Monitoring

Thesis Abstract

Pediatric asthma remains a significant public health concern worldwide, characterized by episodic respiratory distress that adversely affects children's quality of life and imposes substantial healthcare costs. Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments and asthma education, compliance with self-management protocols among pediatric patients remains suboptimal, often leading to increased emergency visits and hospitalizations. This study aims to develop a user-centered mobile application tailored to enhance self-management and monitoring of asthma in children aged 6 to 12 years, with the intention of improving health outcomes, treatment adherence, and caregiver engagement. The primary objectives are to (1) design and develop a mobile app grounded in the Health Belief Model and the Technology Acceptance Model, (2) assess usability and user satisfaction amongst pediatric patients and their caregivers, and (3) evaluate preliminary effectiveness in improving self-management behaviors. To achieve these aims, a mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative user-centered design processes with quantitative evaluation. The population comprises 150 parent-child dyads recruited from pediatric respiratory clinics within urban healthcare settings. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The development phase incorporated participatory design workshops with 20 children, their caregivers, and healthcare providers, facilitating iterative refinement based on user feedback. The resulting prototype was subjected to usability testing using the System Usability Scale (SUS) with 80 participants, while a pilot intervention involving 70 dyads employed the app over a three-month period. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires measuring self-efficacy, adherence rates, and symptom control, as well as semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests to assess pre- and post-intervention changes, and multiple regression analyses to identify predictors of improved self-management outcomes. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative interview data to explore user perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of app usage. It is anticipated that the app will demonstrate high usability scores (mean SUS score ? 80), increased self-efficacy scores post-intervention, and improved adherence to medication and symptom monitoring protocols. This study contributes to the existing knowledge by presenting an evidence-based digital solution specifically designed for pediatric asthma management, integrating behavioral theories with technological innovation. It fills gaps related to tailored, age-appropriate digital interventions and their role in enhancing pediatric chronic disease management in low-resource settings. The findings are expected to inform best practices for integrating mobile health tools into routine pediatric care and to provide a foundation for larger-scale randomized controlled trials. The main conclusions suggest that a well-designed mobile app can significantly empower children and caregivers in managing asthma, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization. It is recommended that healthcare providers adopt and adapt such digital interventions within clinical workflows and that future research explores long-term impacts, scalability, and integration with electronic health records. Overall, this study underscores the potential of mobile health technologies to transform pediatric asthma care by fostering proactive self-management and continuous monitoring in an engaging, accessible manner.