Mobile applications for health promotion have increased dramatically in recent years, and mobile devices and health technologies have created a new paradigm in care delivery. The use of mobile health technology can, in particular, improve primary and secondary prevention of diseases and provide personalized, consistent, and sustainable interventions, as well as improve patient communication, access to health care services, engagement with health behaviors, and adherence to these services and treatments (
13-
15). In this regard, using users' experiences regarding mobile phone applications can be effective, so the present study was conducted to investigate the experiences of pregnant mothers with high blood pressure regarding mobile phone health applications.
An essential feature in making mobile phone applications is ease of use, simplicity, and the ability to provide information. Some information was provided directly by the program, and others were produced by the mothers and recorded in the program. Mothers stated that scientific, diverse, up-to-date information in the program is necessary so that people with different needs and interests can find relevant information. Peng et al. conducted a qualitative study on users' perceptions of mobile health applications. The results of this research, similar to the present study, indicated the importance of ease of use and simplicity as criteria for the acceptance and use of mobile health applications (
16). Some studies have cited difficulty or complexity as a barrier to using mobile health applications (
17,
18).
Another important feature in building mobile applications is targeting. Most participants were satisfied with the goal-setting part and believed that goal setting by the individual, according to ability and interest, and far from coercion, in the form of small daily and weekly goals, can slowly lead to behavior change. On the other hand, positive feedback encourages the individual, and negative feedback, along with providing a solution, can play a role in adopting and continuing the behavior. In addition, most participants wanted to have a history feature in their apps because this type of monitoring increases their self-awareness. In addition, people could see their progress over time through this feature. In this regard, Szinay et al. stated that feedback, goal setting, reward, and commitment affect people's interaction with health programs (
19). Moreover, Dennison et al. mentioned mobile health applications as a tool to track users' progress (
20).
Extrinsic motivational factors, such as observing others using the application, facilitate the use of mobile health applications because a person can thus compare himself with others and observe his condition. Peng et al. and Connolly et al. stated that extrinsic motivational factors such as observing others using mobile health applications and sharing behavioral data facilitate using these applications because they can compare themselves with others in this way. Users cited social influence as facilitating the use of mobile health applications (
16,
21).
Mobile health applications can reduce transportation costs, reduce time spent, and spread information quickly and effectively, but many people prefer face-to-face communication to other communication methods, especially when they are being diagnosed or treated for a disease. Many mothers find it very difficult to communicate with the doctor through phone and text messages instead of face-to-face, suggesting that video communication along with text messages can be effective. Abelson et al. and Khatun et al. also stated, in line with the results of the present study, that people prefer face-to-face communication and even consider it valuable (
17,
22).
Security concerns regarding releasing confidential information are one of the main concerns of mobile health application users. Providing people with confidence in maintaining their confidential information can be a crucial step toward overcoming this challenge. Mothers expressed concerns about the disclosure of information and the ability to see their information by other mothers, and it was tried to show how the program works and the parts that can be seen by other mothers to give them the necessary assurance regarding the privacy of their information. Studies have shown that a mobile health application allows women to share confidential information with their doctors (
17,
23) more easily. Some studies reported that mobile health applications are suitable for people with poor socioeconomic status who have less access to healthcare facilities (
17). Some studies showed mobile health application users' concern about protecting personal information and privacy (
18,
24,
25).
Mobile health applications are changing and developing, and the prospects for their development in the coming years are very bright. It is not far-fetched to expect their increasing growth. Therefore, the field of researching mobile health applications and their effects on society is vast.
Although the present study led to significant findings, it is suggested that culture-oriented studies, especially ethnographic studies, be used to research people's behavior and needs regarding the correct use of mobile health applications.
User experience in mobile health programs is a multi-dimensional concept that requires attention to all its dimensions for the success of such programs. Creating a better experience for mobile health users requires considering all its dimensions, including the technological and functional dimensions, the sensory and emotional dimensions, the cognitive dimensions, and the social-interactive dimensions.
5.1. Limitations
Like other studies, the present study was also associated with limitations. First, in this study, there were problems related to the environmental conditions of the interview, such as noise in the environment, which could have been influential in the quality of the response.
The second limitation of this study was the lack of articles and research on using mobile health applications to improve healthy lifestyles and control the blood pressure of pregnant mothers. Therefore, it is suggested that this issue be addressed more in future research.
5.2. Conclusions
The findings discussed the significance of mobile health applications in addressing the specific needs of hypertensive pregnant women. The field of mobile health (mHealth) has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, and this study's insights contribute to our understanding of how these applications can be optimized for the unique circumstances of pregnant women with hypertension.
The study emphasizes user-centered design as a crucial aspect. By examining the perspectives and needs of the target users, mHealth applications can be tailored to provide maximum value and support. Understanding the challenges, concerns, and preferences of hypertensive pregnant women is essential for creating solutions that truly address their requirements. User-centered design principles involve involving pregnant women with hypertension in the development process, incorporating their feedback and suggestions, and ensuring the application is intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly.
The study's findings also call attention to the need for ongoing research and innovation in the field of mobile health applications for hypertensive pregnant women. Researchers and developers can refine and enhance the functionality and usability of these applications by exploring user experiences, evaluating existing applications, and identifying areas for improvement. This process can lead to the development of more appropriate and effective mobile health solutions that better serve the specific needs of pregnant women with hypertension. Furthermore, collaboration between multidisciplinary teams comprising healthcare professionals, researchers, designers, and technology experts is crucial for advancing the field. Innovative ideas can be generated, and comprehensive solutions can be developed by combining diverse expertise. This collaborative approach ensures that mobile health applications for hypertensive pregnant women are evidence-based, medically accurate, and aligned with best practices in both healthcare and technology domains.
In conclusion, the findings discussed contribute valuable insights into the field of mobile health applications for hypertensive pregnant women. The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to meet the needs of pregnant women with hypertension by emphasizing user-centered design. Through ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation, more appropriate and effective mobile health applications can be developed, ultimately improving the health outcomes and experiences of individuals in this population.