Cited by 131Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsDigital Mental Health InterventionsHealth, Technology, Consumer Behavior

A Library of Analytic Indicators to Evaluate Effective Engagement with Consumer mHealth Apps for Chronic Conditions: Scoping Review

Open access
Pham, Quynh, Graham, Gary, Carrion, Carme, Morita, Plinio P, Seto, Emily, Stinson, Jennifer N, Cafazzo, Joseph A·2019·JMIR mHealth and uHealth

Published version of a preprint

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is mixed evidence to support current ambitions for mobile health (mHealth) apps to improve chronic health and well-being. One proposed explanation for this variable effect is that users do not engage with apps as intended. The application of analytics, defined as the use of data to generate new insights, is an emerging approach to study and interpret engagement with mHealth interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to consolidate how analytic indicators of engagement have previously been applied across clinical and technological contexts, to inform how they might be optimally applied in future evaluations. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to catalog the range of analytic indicators being used in evaluations of consumer mHealth apps for chronic conditions. We categorized studies according to app structure and application of engagement data and calculated descriptive data for each category. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests of independence were applied to calculate differences between coded variables. RESULTS: A total of 41 studies met our inclusion criteria. The average mHealth evaluation included for review was a two-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial of a hybrid-structured app for mental health self-management, had 103 participants, lasted 5 months, did not provide access to health care provider services, measured 3 analytic indicators of engagement, segmented users based on engagement data, applied engagement data for descriptive analyses, and did not report on attrition. Across the reviewed studies, engagement was measured using the following 7 analytic indicators: the number of measures recorded (76%, 31/41), the frequency of interactions logged (73%, 30/41), the number of features accessed (49%, 20/41), the number of log-ins or sessions logged (46%, 19/41), the number of modules or lessons started or completed (29%, 12/41), time spent engaging with the app (27%, 11/41), and the number or content of pages accessed (17%, 7/41). Engagement with unstructured apps was mostly measured by the number of features accessed (8/10, P=.04), and engagement with hybrid apps was mostly measured by the number of measures recorded (21/24, P=.03). A total of 24 studies presented, described, or summarized the data generated from applying analytic indicators to measure engagement. The remaining 17 studies used or planned to use these data to infer a relationship between engagement patterns and intended outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although researchers measured on average 3 indicators in a single study, the majority reported findings descriptively and did not further investigate how engagement with an app contributed to its impact on health and well-being. Researchers are gaining nuanced insights into engagement but are not yet characterizing effective engagement for improved outcomes. Raising the standard of mHealth app efficacy through measuring analytic indicators of engagement may enable greater confidence in the causal impact of apps on improved chronic health and well-being.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This scoping review cataloged 7 analytic indicators used to measure engagement with consumer mHealth apps for chronic conditions across 41 included articles. Most studies reported engagement descriptively rather than testing how engagement related to intended health outcomes.

Key findings

  • Across 41 articles (33 studies, 8 protocols), the average evaluation was a two-group pretest-posttest RCT of a hybrid-structured mental health self-management app, with 103 participants, lasting 5 months, measuring 3 analytic indicators, segmenting users by engagement, applying engagement data descriptively, and not reporting attrition.
  • Engagement was measured by: number of measures recorded (76%, 31/41), frequency of interactions logged (73%, 30/41), number of features accessed (49%, 20/41), number of log-ins or sessions logged (46%, 19/41), number of modules or lessons started/completed (29%, 12/41), time spent engaging (27%, 11/41), and number or content of pages accessed (17%, 7/41).
  • Unstructured apps were mostly measured by number of features accessed (8/10, P=.04), while hybrid apps were mostly measured by number of measures recorded (21/24, P=.03). Structured apps were more likely to report only descriptive statistics (7/7, P=.04).
  • Of the 41 studies, 24 presented, described, or summarized engagement data descriptively; 17 used or planned to use these data inferentially. Most studies did not report attrition (70%, 23/33).

Methods

  • Scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley and Levac et al., searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and JMIR and sister journals for articles published November 1, 2015–November 1, 2017, in English, evaluating consumer mHealth apps for chronic condition self-management with objective log data analytics.
  • Data extraction coded app structure (structured, hybrid, unstructured), 7 analytic indicators, engagement-based segmentation, application of engagement data (descriptive or inferential), attrition type, and statistical method; descriptive data were calculated and chi-square/Fisher exact tests of independence applied, with Monte Carlo correction when observed counts were below expected counts.

Limitations

  • Stated by the paper: the 2-year publication window may not represent the full mHealth literature; only 1 reviewer conducted electronic searches and title/abstract screening; study quality was not assessed; and analytic indicators were not mapped to the 14 identified engagement-related constructs.
  • Evident from the text: construct definitions varied significantly across studies, limiting cross-construct comparisons; most studies reported engagement descriptively, so effective engagement for improved outcomes remains largely uncharacterized; and attrition was underreported.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.2196/11941

Cites

89 of 89 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 81 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The two-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial was the most prevalent experimental study design (48%, 10/21).

    “with the two-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial (RCT) as the most prevalent experimental study design (48%, 10/21)”
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  • Findingown data

    Across the reviewed studies, engagement was measured using the frequency of interactions logged (73%, 30/41).

    “the frequency of interactions logged (73%, 30/41)”
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  • Findingnone given

    The number of log-ins or sessions logged by users is a commonly used analytic indicator of engagement in reviewed mHealth app studies.

    “The number of log-ins or sessions logged by users continues to be a commonly used analytic indicator of engagement.”
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  • Findingown data

    There was some overlap in the types of measures being collected across apps targeting the same chronic conditions, such as the number of blood glucose readings recorded as an indicator of engagement with diabetes apps.

    “There was some overlap in the types of measures being collected across apps targeting the same chronic conditions, such as the number of blood glucose readings recorded as an indicator of engagement with diabetes apps.”
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  • Findingown data

    Engagement was the most commonly reported engagement-related construct (27%, 11/41).

    “engagement (27%, 11/41)”
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    Findingown data

    The first authors of reviewed studies were affiliated with institutions in the United States (46%, 19/41), Canada (20%, 8/41), the United Kingdom (10%, 4/41), Australia (5%, 2/41), Germany (5%, 2/41), the Netherlands (5%, 2/41), France (2%, 1/41), India (2%, 1/41), Singapore (2%, 1/41), Spain (2%, 1/41), Sweden (2%, 1/41), and Switzerland (2%, 1/41).

    “The first authors of reviewed studies were affiliated with institutions in the United States (46%, 19/41), Canada (20%, 8/41), the United Kingdom (10%, 4/41), Australia (5%, 2/41), Germany (5%, 2/41), the Netherlands (5%, 2/41), France (2%, 1/41), India (2%, 1/41), Singapore (2%, 1/41), Spain (2%, 1/41), Sweden (2%, 1/41), and Switzerland (2%, 1/41).”
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    Findingown data

    Over half of the apps had a hybrid structure (59%, 24/41).

    “Over half of the apps had a hybrid structure (59%, 24/41)”
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    Findingown data

    A wide range of chronic conditions were targeted through the apps under study, with mental health (29%, 12/41), chronic pain (12%, 5/41), asthma (10%, 4/41), cardiovascular disease (7%, 3/41), and diabetes (type 1 and 2; 15%, 6/41) leading the clinical charge.

    “A wide range of chronic conditions were targeted through the apps under study, with mental health (29%, 12/41), chronic pain (12%, 5/41), asthma (10%, 4/41), cardiovascular disease (7%, 3/41), and diabetes (type 1 and 2; 15%, 6/41) leading the clinical charge.”
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    Findingown data

    Researchers also evaluated apps for cancer (5%, 2/41), hypertension (5%, 2/41), obesity (5%, 2/41), chronic kidney disease (2%, 1/41), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2%, 1/41), cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease (2%, 1/41), Parkinson disease (2%, 1/41), and sleep apnea (2%, 1/41).

    “Researchers also evaluated apps for cancer (5%, 2/41), hypertension (5%, 2/41), obesity (5%, 2/41), chronic kidney disease (2%, 1/41), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2%, 1/41), cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease (2%, 1/41), Parkinson disease (2%, 1/41), and sleep apnea (2%, 1/41).”
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    Findingreasoning

    The remaining 13 studies included for review were observational in design (32%, 13/41).

    “The remaining 13 studies included for review were observational in design (32%, 13/41).”
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    Findingown data

    Studies were on average 5 months long (median 152 days, IQR 106).

    “Studies were on average 5 months long (median 152 days, interquartile range, IQR 106)”
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    Findingown data

    There was significant variation in how constructs were defined across studies, which limited the authors' ability to extract reliable definitions, map analytic indicators to specific constructs, and conduct cross-construct comparisons.

    “There was significant variation in how constructs were defined across studies, which limited our ability to (1) extract reliable definitions for each construct, (2) map analytic indicators to specific constructs, and (3) conduct cross-construct comparisons of analytic indicators.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
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    Findingcitation

    Owen et al measured the number of sessions logged by users on their PTSD self-management app and the number of users who logged at least one session on the first day, week, and month post download.

    “Owen et al made both these associations by measuring the number of sessions logged by users on their PTSD self-management app, as well as the number of users who logged at least one session on the first day, week, and month post download [42].”
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    Findingcitation

    The longest reviewed observational study conducted by Serrano et al was 7 years long with over 1 million participants.

    “The longest reviewed observational study conducted by Serrano et al was 7 years long with over 1 million participants [34].”
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    Findingown data

    Nearly half of all structured apps were aimed at improving mental health (40%, 4/10).

    “Nearly half of all structured apps were aimed at improving mental health (40%, 4/10).”
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    Findingown data

    Studies had a sample size of over 100 participants (median 103, IQR 252).

    “with a sample size of over 100 participants (median 103, IQR 252)”
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    Findingown data

    A total of 1873 articles were identified through the database search.

    “A total of 1873 articles were identified through the database search.”
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    Findingown data

    10 apps were unstructured (24%).

    “10 apps were unstructured (24%)”
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    Findingown data

    In total, 14 of the reviewed studies were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research or its sister journals (34%, 14/41).

    “In total, 14 of the reviewed studies were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research or its sister journals (34%, 14/41).”
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    Findingown data

    Quasi-experimental design selection (17%, 7/41) was more diverse and included cohort (29%, 2/7), interrupted time-series (14%, 1/7), and single case (14%, 1/7) studies.

    “Quasi-experimental design selection (17%, 7/41) was more diverse and included cohort (29%, 2/7), interrupted time-series (14%, 1/7), and single case (14%, 1/7) studies.”
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    Findingown data

    Of the 60 full texts screened, 19 were excluded, 8 of which did not include objective, quantifiable measurements using log data analytics.

    “Of the 60 full texts screened, 19 were excluded, 8 of which did not include objective, quantifiable measurements using log data analytics.”
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    Findingown data

    7 apps were structured (17%).

    “and 7 apps were structured (17%)”
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    Findingown data

    The one-group pretest-posttest design was the second most prevalent experimental study design (43%, 9/21).

    “followed by the one-group pretest-posttest design (43%, 9/21)”
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    Findingcitation

    Reviewed studies assessed the number of videos watched from a playlist, educational modules completed, or self-care advice accessed.

    “Others assessed the number of videos watched from a playlist [36,55], educational modules completed [52], or self-care advice accessed [69].”
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    Findingcitation

    Davies et al segmented sessions by those in the 30- to 60-second range.

    “Davies et al also segmented sessions by those that were in the 30- to 60-second range [38].”
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    Findingcitation

    Reviewed researchers measured time spent on unique sections, unique pages, length of a unique session, length between unique sessions, and total time spent on an app.

    “Researchers measured the time spent on unique sections of an app [66], the time spent on unique pages [56], the length of a unique session [38,42,43,71], the length between unique sessions [72], and the total time spent on an app [62,68,73].”
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    Findingcitation

    Taki et al combined session analytics with page analytics and measured the number of pages viewed per session in their obesity self-management app.

    “Taki et al combined session analytics with page analytics and measured the number of pages viewed per session in their app for obesity self-management [72].”
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    Findingown data

    Reviewed studies that compared attrition curves used Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox regression models, and latent class growth models.

    “Those that conducted comparisons across attrition curves used Kaplan-Meier survival curves (10%, 1/10), Cox regression models (10%, 2/10), and latent class growth models (10%, 1/10).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
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    Findingnone given

    Researchers used the number of log-ins or sessions to reflect the shift from adoption to habituation, with greater numbers denoting greater engagement.

    “Researchers used this analytic indicator to reflect the shift from adoption to habituation, with a greater number of log-ins or sessions denoting greater engagement.”
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    Findingreasoning

    The number of pages accessed by users was logged by reviewed researchers to reflect overall patterns of app engagement and discoverability of specific content.

    “The number of pages accessed by users was logged by researchers to reflect overall patterns of app engagement and discoverability of specific content.”
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    Findingcitation

    Owen et al recorded click stream data documenting users' navigation through page content.

    “Owen et al recorded click stream data documenting their users’ navigation through page content [42].”
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    Findingcitation

    Goh et al identified 3 distinct 8-week app engagement trajectories based on frequency of interactions and associated patient characteristics with these trajectories.

    “They were able to identify 3 distinct app trajectories based on the frequency of interactions and also associate patient characteristics with these trajectories.”
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    Findingcitation

    Ben-Zeev et al found that participants who engaged with their schizophrenia self-management app for 5 to 6 months had a higher frequency of interactions and engaged 4.3 days per week on average.

    “Ben-Zeev et al found that participants who engaged with their schizophrenia self-management app for a period of 5 to 6 months also had a higher frequency of interactions and engaged 4.3 days per week on average [37].”
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    Findingcitation

    Kuhn et al measured the number and content of pages visited by users in their PTSD self-management app, as did other researchers.

    “Kuhn et al measured the number and content of pages visited by users in their app for PTSD self-management, as did other researchers [38,41,71].”
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    Findingreasoning

    Researchers studying apps with modular content considered module completion indicative of engagement and tracked module progression and completion rates.

    “Overall, researchers studying apps with modular content considered module completion to be indicative of engagement and consequently, tracked module progression and completion rates.”
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    Findingcitation

    Torous et al found that future use of a schizophrenia self-management app is directly related to prior app use, suggesting those who engage more often have a higher probability of future engagement.

    “They found that future use with the app is directly related to prior app use, suggesting that those who engage with the app more often will have a higher probability of app engagement in the future.”
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    Findingreasoning

    Studies of apps for diabetes self-management often measured the number of blood glucose readings but never measured the number of modules or lessons because these features were not offered to users.

    “For example, studies of apps for diabetes self-management often measured the number of blood glucose readings due to the popularity of this feature but never measured the number of modules or lessons because these features were not offered to users.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
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    Findingown data

    Although researchers measured, on average, 3 indicators in a single study, the majority reported findings descriptively and did not further investigate how engagement with an app contributed to its impact on health and well-being.

    “Although researchers measured, on average, 3 indicators in a single study, the majority reported findings descriptively and did not further investigate how engagement with an app contributed to its impact on health and well-being.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
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    Findingown data

    Some studies had users self-report their engagement, whereas others omitted reporting engagement altogether and solely related findings on app efficacy.

    “Some studies had users self-report their engagement, whereas others omitted reporting engagement altogether and solely related findings on app efficacy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Evaluating engagement is a priority and calls for the integration of nonintrusive measures of this construct in mobile health evaluation methodology.

    “Evaluating engagement is therefore a priority and calls for the integration of nonintrusive measures of this construct in mHealth evaluation methodology [14].”
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    Premisecitation

    The construct of engagement has been quantitatively conceptualized as the amount, duration, breadth, and depth of intervention usage.

    “The construct of engagement has been quantitatively conceptualized as the amount, duration, breadth, and depth of intervention usage [11,12].”
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    Premisecitation

    These digitally mediated mechanisms of action require more granular evaluations capable of analyzing multilevel, temporally dense engagement data.

    “These digitally mediated mechanisms of action require more granular evaluations capable of analyzing multilevel, temporally dense engagement data [13].”
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    Premisecitation

    Many researchers have included analytic indicators as a study measure when evaluating apps, but they are not consistent or systematic in their selection.

    “While many researchers have included analytic indicators as a study measure when evaluating apps, they are not consistent or systematic in their selection [26].”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Analytic insights from microengagement can be coupled with measures of macroengagement to identify the mediating mechanisms that motivate effective engagement.

    “In turn, these analytic insights can be coupled with measures of macroengagement to identify the mediating mechanisms that motivate effective engagement.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    There is benefit to understanding how engagement with mobile health apps for chronic conditions has been defined, measured, and analyzed across evaluations.

    “We propose that there is benefit to understanding how engagement with mHealth apps for chronic conditions has been defined, measured, and analyzed across evaluations.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Layering the frequency of interactions over other indicators added temporal context to better understand how users were engaging over time.

    “Layering this analytic indicator over other indicators added temporal context to better understand how users were engaging over time.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Measuring and reporting on microengagement is fundamental to understanding how people actually use an app to improve their health and well-being.

    “However, we posit that measuring and reporting on microengagement is fundamental to understanding how people actually use an app to improve their health and well-being.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Analytic indicators of engagement indicate that users may be engaging effectively with a digital health intervention but do not definitively confirm a relationship between engagement and intended outcomes.

    “We propose that analytic indicators of engagement do exactly this: they indicate that users may be engaging effectively with a digital health intervention but do not definitively confirm a relationship between engagement and intended outcomes.”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    A data extraction form was piloted on a sample of included articles to validate proposed codes and add emergent codes.

    “The form was piloted on a sample of included articles to validate proposed codes and add emergent codes.”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    Full papers of included abstracts were assessed for final selection by all study authors.

    “Following title and abstract review, full papers of included abstracts were assessed for final selection by all study authors.”
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    Premisecitation

    The application of analytics is an emerging approach to study and interpret engagement with mobile health interventions.

    “The application of analytics, defined as the use of data to generate new insights [18], is an emerging approach to study and interpret engagement with mHealth interventions [19].”
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    Study design and conductcitation

    This scoping review was guided by the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and advanced by Levac et al.

    “This scoping review was guided by the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley [27] and advanced by Levac et al [28].”
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    Premisecitation

    Establishing the relationship between engagement and intended outcomes requires adopting a mixed-methods multidimensional approach to measure effective engagement using multiple assessment strategies.

    “Establishing this relationship requires adopting a mixed-methods multidimensional approach to measure effective engagement using multiple assessment strategies [14,25].”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    A subset of researchers are either not measuring the breadth and duration of engagement in their mHealth evaluations or underreporting the findings.

    “TThese findings suggest that a subset of researchers are either not measuring the breadth and duration of engagement in their mHealth evaluations or underreporting the findings.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Measuring time spent engaging with an app helped researchers distinguish exploratory from purposeful engagement, with rapid short page views indicating scanning and prolonged viewing suggesting greater intention and interest.

    “Measuring time spent engaging with an app helped researchers to distinguish between exploratory and purposeful engagement; a rapid succession of short page views was indicative of scanning through content, whereas prolonged viewing suggested greater intention and interest in content.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
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    Interpretationreasoning

    The limited sample of reviewed studies suggests that the relationship between engagement and utilization outcomes is underdeveloped and warrants further study.

    “Altogether, the limited sample of reviewed studies suggests that the relationship between engagement and utilization outcomes is underdeveloped and warrants further study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Insights from the number of pages accessed provided researchers with a broader understanding of the user journey through an app and drew attention to specific content that might drive engagement.

    “Insights gleaned from this analytic indicator provided researchers with a broader understanding of the user journey through an app and drew attention to specific content that might drive engagement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
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    Premisecitation

    Users perceive apps to be a short-term commitment and access app-based content sporadically for shorter periods of time compared with Web-based interventions.

    “Users perceive apps to be a short-term commitment [81] and access app-based content sporadically for shorter periods of time compared with Web-based interventions [82].”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    We did not map analytic indicators to the 14 identified engagement-related constructs for analysis.

    “Finally, we did not map analytic indicators to the 14 identified engagement-related constructs for analysis.”
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    Study design and conductreasoning

    Only 1 reviewer conducted the electronic searches and screened all titles and abstracts against eligibility criteria.

    “Due to limited resources, only 1 reviewer conducted the electronic searches and screened all titles and abstracts against eligibility criteria”
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    Premisecitation

    Sieverink et al concluded that a limited but deliberate set of only one of 2 different indicators in accordance with the goal of the technology is sufficient to operationalize adherence.

    “The authors conclude that a limited but deliberate set of only one of 2 different indicators in accordance with the goal of the technology is sufficient to operationalize adherence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Simblett et al found that studies were reporting idiosyncratic measures of engagement and adherence that were not comparable across studies.

    “In a recent review on the barriers and facilitators of engagement with remote measurement technology for managing health, Simblett et al found that studies were reporting idiosyncratic measures of engagement and adherence that were not comparable across studies [26].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    It is possible to use multiple constructs in the same study.

    “and it is possible to use multiple constructs in the same study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Raising the standard of mHealth app efficacy through measuring analytic indicators of engagement may enable greater confidence in the causal impact of apps on improved chronic health and well-being.

    “Raising the standard of mHealth app efficacy through measuring analytic indicators of engagement may enable greater confidence in the causal impact of apps on improved chronic health and well-being.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    We reviewed each construct and its analytic operationalizations separately during our data extraction process.

    “However, we reviewed each construct and its analytic operationalizations separately during our data extraction process”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Perski et al reviewed 113 studies up to November 2015, of which 13 were on mobile phone-based interventions, and only 4 applied log data analyses to study engagement.

    “Perski et al conducted a systematic review on engagement with digital behavior change interventions that comprised all studies up to November 2015 [11]. They reviewed 113 studies, of which 13 were on mobile phone–based interventions. Only 4 of those studies applied log data analyses to study engagement with the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Without objective knowledge of how users engage with an app to care for themselves, the mechanisms of action that underlie complex models of digitally mediated behavior change cannot be identified.

    “Without objective knowledge of how users engage with an app to care for themselves, the mechanisms of action that underlie complex models of digitally mediated behavior change cannot be identified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Eysenbach observed that a substantial portion of participants in eHealth trials stop using the intervention before study end.

    “In 2005, Eysenbach published landmark work on the law of attrition [10], which was his observation that a substantial portion of participants in eHealth trials stop using the intervention before study end.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    We have provided accurate insights into how researchers have used analytic indicators to measure engagement.

    “and provided accurate insights into how researchers have used analytic indicators to measure engagement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Yardley et al assert that effective engagement is defined in relation to the purpose of a specific intervention and can only be established empirically in the context of that intervention.

    “Their findings align with our own, and support Yardley et al’s assertion that effective engagement is defined in relation to the purpose of a specific intervention and can only be established empirically in the context of that intervention [14].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This finding suggests that researchers are gaining nuanced insights into how users are engaging with their apps but are not conducting inferential analyses to characterize effective engagement for improved outcomes.

    “This finding suggests that researchers are gaining nuanced insights into how users are engaging with their apps but are not conducting inferential analyses to characterize effective engagement for improved outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    We did not assess the quality of included articles.

    “We did not assess the quality of included articles”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Sieverink et al reviewed 62 papers, of which 7 were on smartphone-based interventions; 5 of those 7 were published after 2016 and 2 in 2013.

    “The systematic review on usage-based adherence to eHealth interventions conducted by Sieverink et al reviewed 62 papers, of which 7 were on smartphone-based interventions [17]. Of those 7 papers, 5 were published after 2016, and the other 2 were both published in 2013.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Our sampling frame of November 2015 to November 2017 directly follows Perski et al's review and includes 41 studies to address our specific research questions.

    “Our sampling frame of November 2015 to November 2017 directly follows Perski et al’s review and includes 41 studies to address our specific research questions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Perski et al’s review

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Eysenbach posits that attrition is a fundamental characteristic and methodological challenge in the evaluation of eHealth interventions and recommends that usage metrics and determinants of attrition should be highlighted, measured, analyzed, and discussed.

    “He posits that attrition is a fundamental characteristic and methodological challenge in the evaluation of eHealth interventions and recommends that “usage metrics and determinants of attrition should be highlighted, measured, analyzed, and discussed” [10].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Not assessing the quality of included articles is in line with our review framework, which does not mandate this methodological practice.

    “however, this is in line with our review framework, which does not mandate this methodological practice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Our review supports researchers to harness these natural attributes for conducting data-driven evaluations of digitally mediated behavior change.

    “We propose that our review supports researchers to harness these natural attributes for conducting data-driven evaluations of digitally mediated behavior change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This variance suggests that researchers are starting to recognize a conceptual and methodological distinction between the constructs of engagement and adherence.

    “This variance suggests that researchers are starting to recognize a conceptual and methodological distinction between the constructs of engagement and adherence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Conceptual differences exist between some of the 14 engagement-related constructs (eg, usage, feasibility, and adherence).

    “We acknowledge that conceptual differences exist between some of these constructs (eg, usage, feasibility, and adherence)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Morrison et al found that app users logged in twice as often but spent half as much time engaging compared with website users.

    “They subsequently found that app users logged in twice as often but spent half as much time engaging compared with website users.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [83] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Sieverink et al found that over half of all reviewed studies measured adherence to eHealth interventions using a single analytic indicator, and a quarter used 2 indicators.

    “In their systematic review, Sieverink et al found that over half of all reviewed studies measured adherence to eHealth interventions using a single analytic indicator, and a quarter used 2 indicators [17].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Benchmarking engagement by time range provides more context on a user's intentions and needs than just the total amount of engagement.

    “Benchmarking engagement by time range provides more context on a user’s intentions and needs than just the total amount of engagement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
77 of 77
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Complex patterns of engagement with mobile health apps are emerging and challenge current conceptual paradigms for interpreting their impact on chronic health outcomes.

    “Complex patterns of engagement with mHealth apps are emerging and challenge current conceptual paradigms for interpreting their impact on chronic health outcomes.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    For many mobile health app evaluations, users can be segmented along a continuum of engagement; some will never use the app, some will use it but quickly abandon it, and some will use it in unexpected ways.

    “For many mHealth app evaluations, users can be segmented along a continuum of engagement; some will never use the app, some will use it but quickly abandon it, and some will use it in unexpected ways.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The 2-year sampling frame captures the application of analytics within the field of mHealth.

    “While we acknowledge that our sampling frame is limited in scoping the entire field of mHealth, we believe it captures the application of analytics within the field of mHealth.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Adding analytic tags to an app's source code allows researchers to measure engagement without creating user burden or reactivity.

    “allowing them to measure engagement without creating user burden or reactivity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Data generated from analytic tags can be used in inferential analyses to delineate relationships with observed health outcomes.

    “Once generated, these data can be used in inferential analyses to delineate relationships with observed health outcomes.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Rapid cycles of research and development can validate hypothesized models of effective engagement.

    “Researchers can further interrogate these data by conducting rapid cycles of research and development to validate hypothesized models of effective engagement.”
6 of 6

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Incorrect percentage for structured apps without segmentation

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 4 structured apps without segmentation out of 7 structured apps. That is about 57%, not 47%.

    Reported 47 · recomputed 57.142857

  • Incorrect percentage for unstructured apps with one indicator

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 1 such app out of 10 unstructured apps, which is 10%, not 1%.

    Reported 1 · recomputed 10

  • Mental-health apps are assigned to the wrong structure

    Minor

    The statement describes 4 mental-health apps as structured, but Table 2 lists 2 structured mental-health apps and 4 unstructured ones.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. 2010, World Health Organization

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Pham, Q., Graham, G., Carrion, C., Morita, P. P., Seto, E., Stinson, J. N., & Cafazzo, J. A.
Affiliations
  • University Health Network (CA)
  • University of Waterloo (CA)
  • University of Toronto (CA)
Venue
JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Published
2019-01-18
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
e11941
ISSN
2291-5222 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2910244894
Cited by
131
References
89
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 9
FWCI
3.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • JMIR mhealth and uhealth (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • O2 - Repositori Institucional (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Health, Technology, Consumer Behavior
Keywords
mobile health apps, app engagement, chronic disease, mental health self-management, app evaluation, hybrid mobile applications, customer segmentation, attrition, mobile health intervention
MeSH terms
Chronic Disease, Humans, Patient Participation, Program Evaluation, Chi-Square Distribution, Telemedicine

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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