Development of a Mobile App for Real-Time Medication Adherence Monitoring

Thesis Abstract

Medication non-adherence remains a significant challenge in the effective management of chronic diseases, leading to increased hospitalizations, higher healthcare costs, and adverse health outcomes. Despite advancements in electronic health records and reminder systems, there remains a critical need for user-centered, real-time monitoring solutions that actively engage patients and healthcare providers. This study aims to develop and evaluate a mobile application designed to monitor medication adherence in real time, leveraging ICT to promote optimal health outcomes. The specific objectives are to design a user-friendly mobile app integrated with medication schedules and reminder functionalities; assess the app’s usability and clinical effectiveness; and analyze the behavioral factors influencing adherence among chronic disease patients. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study conducts an initial qualitative phase involving focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 30 patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes, as well as healthcare providers, to identify user preferences, contextual factors, and potential barriers. This is followed by the development of a prototype mobile app, built on an iterative design process informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Subsequently, a quantitative quasi-experimental study involving 200 patients randomized into intervention and control groups is conducted over a six-month period. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires assessing medication adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale), app usability (System Usability Scale), and behavioral factors, alongside app usage logs capturing real-time adherence data. The analysis employs descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, inferential statistics including multiple regression analysis to determine predictors of adherence, and repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate changes over time within and between groups. The app’s usability and engagement metrics are analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative feedback obtained through user interviews. Anticipated findings suggest that the mobile app will significantly improve medication adherence rates in the intervention group compared to controls, with increased user satisfaction and usability scores. The study also expects to identify key behavioral predictors, such as perceived severity and self-efficacy, influencing adherence behaviors, consistent with TAM and HBM constructs. The study contributes novel insights into the integration of mobile health technology within chronic disease management, particularly emphasizing real-time adherence monitoring and behavioral influences. It enhances existing digital health interventions by providing a tailored, evidence-based platform that actively involves both patients and healthcare providers. Moreover, the research offers a comprehensive framework for deploying ICT solutions in resource-constrained settings, addressing barriers related to technological literacy and infrastructure. The main conclusion underscores the potential of mobile apps to transform medication adherence strategies by facilitating continuous, real-time monitoring and personalized feedback. Recommendations include scaling the app for broader clinical use, integrating with electronic health records for seamless data sharing, and incorporating behavioral health features to further enhance patient engagement. The study advocates for ongoing user-centered design improvements and longitudinal assessments to sustain adherence behaviors and optimize health outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term scalability of such digital interventions across diverse clinical populations and health systems.