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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
Published on: August 29, 2025
Development and Validation of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS)
Stoyan R Stoyanov1, Leanne Hides, David J Kavanagh
1Centre for Children's Health Research, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Background:
The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) provides a reliable method to assess the quality of mobile health (mHealth) apps. However, training and expertise in mHealth and the relevant health field is required to administer it.
Objective:
This study describes the development and reliability testing of an end-user version of the MARS (uMARS).
Methods:
The MARS was simplified and piloted with 13 young people to create the uMARS. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the uMARS was then examined in a second sample of 164 young people participating in a randomized controlled trial of a mHealth app. App ratings were collected using the uMARS at 1-, 3,- and 6-month follow up.
Results:
The uMARS had excellent internal consistency (alpha = .90), with high individual alphas for all subscales. The total score and subscales had good test-retest reliability over both 1-2 months and 3 months.
Conclusions:
The uMARS is a simple tool that can be reliably used by end-users to assess the quality of mHealth apps.
