Modeling an Android-Based Healthy Reproductive Application for Adolescents as an Effort to Optimize Iron Supplementation in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is an important public health concern especially in the case of adolescent girls with higher nutritional needs and menstrual blood losses. Although iron supplements are available, adherence to supplementation regimens is low. Development of Android-Based Application to Support Reproductive Health Behaviors and Iron Supplementation Adherence among Adolescent Girls in Indonesia: a Study Protocol

This study is developmental in that it used a mixed-methods design of needs assessment, application development, usability testing, and pilot implementation. Semi-structured interviews were performed in order to determine the needed features for the app in the form of a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions with adolescent girls and health experts. The application was then iteratively designed to include educational modules and reminders as well as tracking features. Participants: Five usability tests with 50 adolescent girls followed by a three-month pilot of the app in two high schools.

The needs assessment showed that awareness and uptake of iron supplementation were low, with only 25% of the population following the appropriate regimen. 85% of usability testing participants reported satisfaction with the application; 85% ingappa outperformed the control in a pilot study, showing a statistically significant increase in knowledge of reproductive health and a 30% improvement in adherence to iron supplementation compared to controls.

Using user-centered design with an interactive application on an Android-based platform, we found the method to effectively overcome barriers to adherence to iron supplementation. Educational content and reminders integrated into the app substantially improved engagement and health outcomes. The findings of this study underscore the promise of mHealth applications at scale for driving only the reduction of anemia burden but also the advancement of healthier lifestyles among adolescent girls. More research is needed in larger populations to assess the long-term effects of the app and confirm its generalisability.