Functionality and quality assessment of Iranian nutrition-related apps using the mobile app rating scale

With the recent surge in healthcare and nutrition-related apps, guaranteeing their quality and effectiveness has become imperative. Selecting top-notch apps has become challenging for various users, encompassing patients, professionals, and other nutrition stakeholders. Thus, this study aimed to assess the quality and performance of Iranian nutrition apps.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. To identify nutrition-related apps, Cafe Bazaar and Myket were searched as the most popular Iranian marketplaces. The free and accessible apps were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was done using three forms of data extraction, and nutritional characteristics, technical characteristics, and system evaluation were done using these forms. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, and results were summarized and reported in tables and figures based on study objectives.

Out of the initial 1,500 applications screened using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria and thorough app checks, 22 Apps were ultimately selected for the study. The main objectives of using nutrition apps in Iran were recommendations, dietary cooking guides, and diet. In quality assessment, the apps' functionalities have the highest scores (2.93 out of 5), and the apps' engagement was the lowest (1.6 out of 5).

The findings showed that current nutritional applications lack the necessary quality and fail to meet the expected functions required to address the specific needs of patients and other users. This highlights the pressing need for comprehensive oversight by relevant authorities in this sector, as the absence of proper regulation can potentially lead to irreversible complications for society.