HN-01640136_Evaluating nutrition related mobile applications

Introduction: Mobile apps play an important role in people s nutritional beliefs. The high usage of smartphones in In Iran has resulted in the development of various nutrition apps. The aim of this study was to Survey the content and features of Persian nutrition mobile apps.Methods: This was an applied study conducted in 2019. This study surveyed and compared content, features (speed, resolution, navigation, search, updates, social media networking capabilities, cost, ability to work offline and add free) of Persian nutrition mobile apps. First, Persian nutrition apps were identified by search in Google play (store), Cafe Bazaar (Iranian Android marketplace), App Store (Apple), and other mobile app download websites. Second, each app was downloaded and installed on three smartphons. Then three experts evaluated the content, features and usability of the apps using a checklist. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22.Results: A total of 112 Persian nutrition apps were identified. Most apps were on Android platform (86%) and free to download (76%). Apps were categorized into nine categories based on the content; good nutrition, nutrition and diet therapy, nutrition for kids, pregnancy diet & nutrition, bodybuilding and fitness diet & nutrition, diabetes diet, nutritional recommendations for cardiovascular disease, diet and food in Iranian traditional medicine. The content of some apps, including traditional medicine diet and foods or bodybuilding supplements, were inconsistent with scientific sources. In some apps, uncredible sources were mentioned. Thirty-eight percent of apps were not updated since their first release, 99% were able to work offline and 33% had weak features including search and navigation.Conclusions: Persian nutrition apps had some drawbacks including outdated sources. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health and Medical Education monitor the content of nutrition apps.