Systematic quality evaluation of mobile health applications using Selenium web scraping approach

Mobile health applications have emerged as powerful tools for improving public health, but their rapid proliferation raises concerns regarding quality, effectiveness, and security. T.

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the quality of health applications on the Google Play Store in India, focusing on physical, mental, and social health domains.

Python and Selenium-based web scraping approach was used to extracted data available from the Indian version of Google Play Store using domain-specific keywords. Applications were screened based on preset criteria. The Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG) was used to evaluate the application quality across eight domains. Kruskal Wallis test and partial least squares regression analysis was used for analysis.

From 866 applications, 322 met eligibility criteria (182 physical, 84 mental, 56 social health). Commercial organizations dominated development. Social health applications demonstrated higher download volumes and superior quality across multiple MAG domains, with higher overall scores (35.18 ± 12.05) compared to physical (26.95 ± 11.27) and mental health applications (26.25 ±1 1.62). Quality metrics influenced user ratings differently across health domains, with weak correlation between MAG scores and ratings for physical health applications.

The study reveals significant variability in mHealth application quality, with concerning deficiencies in privacy and security. Findings highlight the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and quality standards in India's evolving digital health ecosystem.