CN19 - Evaluation of acceptance and perceived barriers to mobile health applications among breast cancer patients and caregivers at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University

Background

With the rapid advancement of digital technologies, mobile health applications have the potential to enhance the quality of care in breast cancer management. Despite this, the acceptance of such technologies and the barriers to their use remain poorly understood in regions like Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Breast Cancer Comprehensive Center of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. We assessed the acceptance and concerns related to a mobile application among 310 participants, comprising 228 breast cancer patients and 82 caregivers. The survey focused on the willingness to use the application, concerns about medication management, and preferences regarding app features.

Results

Most participants (90.6%) owned smartphones, and 74% were proficient in using applications like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, only 13.6% were aware of telemedicine applications. Notably, 86.5% expressed willingness to use a mobile health application. Preferred features included medication reminders (70%), instructions for use (59%), management of side effects (72.9%), and nutrition tips (34.2%). Higher educational levels were significantly associated with a willingness to use health apps (P<0.001).

Conclusions

There is a high acceptance among breast cancer patients and caregivers for mobile health applications, despite a low level of telemedicine awareness. Addressing educational disparities and incorporating desired functionalities could enhance the effectiveness and adoption of such technologies. Further studies are warranted to design and test a pilot version of the application to improve patient adherence and overall care quality.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

National Cancer Institute, Cairo University.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.