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User-Centered Diabetes Self-Management App (DiabAid Nexus) in Sub-Saharan Africa: Development and Usability Study
Genet Tadese Aboye1,2, Ermias Habte Gebremichael3, Gizeaddis Lamesgin Simegn2,4
1Department of Biosystems, Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, Leuven, 3000, Belgium, +251945046309.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|June 2, 2026
Summary
A new mobile health app, DiabAid Nexus, was developed for diabetes self-management in Sub-Saharan Africa. User testing showed it to be simple, effective, and well-received, indicating high potential for improving care in low-resource settings.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Public Health
- Mobile Health (mHealth)
Background:
- Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-resource regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Limited access to healthcare exacerbates diabetes management issues in these areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a user-centered mobile health (mHealth) application for diabetes self-management.
- To address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Methods:
- A bilingual mHealth platform, DiabAid Nexus, was developed using a user-centered design approach with Flutter and Dart.
- Usability and user experience were assessed through a study with 13 participants in Ethiopia using the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) and semistructured interviews.
Main Results:
- The DiabAid Nexus app received positive user feedback, being perceived as simple, easy to use, and relevant.
- High uMARS scores were achieved for functionality (4.33/5), information quality (4.20/5), perceived impact (4.20/5), and subjective quality (4.10/5).
- Users appreciated the localized content and intuitive design, expressing readiness to use the app for diabetes self-management.
Conclusions:
- The DiabAid Nexus app is a user-friendly and effective tool for diabetes self-management.
- The mHealth platform demonstrates significant potential for improving diabetes care in low-resource settings and diverse contexts.
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