MyHealthyGut: development of a theory-based self-regulatory app to effectively manage celiac disease

Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the North American population and the only treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free (GF) diet. Unfortunately, the GF diet can be challenging, and poor adherence can lead to detrimental physical and psychological health outcomes for people with celiac disease. The goal of this study was to design, develop and pilot test a smartphone app (MyHealthyGut), to promote effective self-management of celiac disease and improve gut health. In Part 1, feedback from end-users (adults with celiac disease) regarding the desired functions and content of an app to manage celiac disease was gathered. Part 2 was a pilot test of the MyHealthyGut app with end-users and healthcare professionals.

Part 1: 118 adults diagnosed with celiac disease participated in the initial survey. Based on findings from this study, version 1.0 of the app was created. Part 2: 12 adults with celiac disease engaged in focus groups to provide feedback after testing the app for a 1-week period; and seven healthcare professionals (dietitians and physicians) provided online feedback about the app after using it for a 2-week period.

Part 1: over 90% of participants indicated a need for an app for celiac disease. Ease of use, available functions, nutritious GF recipes and cost were the top four most important perceived factors to 40-60% of participants for an app to manage celiac disease. Over 25% of participants also indicated it was important to have a list of the top 100 GF foods and evidence-based supplements, the ability to track symptoms and cooking tips. Part 2: focus group participants suggested revisions to the app pertaining to functionality and ease of use (e.g., clearly marked way-finding buttons, enhance onboarding), improving the symptom journaling feature, and app content (e.g., add information on irritable bowel syndrome). The majority of healthcare professionals reported positive perceptions of the app and reported similar revisions to content, functionality and ease of use.

Health-related mobile applications make smartphones useful tools in providing point of care to the user. Participants reported a need for the MyHealthyGut app, listed desired content, features and functions and provided feedback to revise the content, features and functions of version 1.0 of the MyHealthyGut app. MyHealthyGut is the first evidence-based app that may be helpful in empowering users to effectively self-manage celiac disease and promote general gut health.