Trust Attributes of Mobile Applications for Improved Self-Management of Diabetes in South Africa

Background: Information technology (IT) trust is an important concept as people today rely more on IT to perform their tasks than before. A current review of information systems literature suggests that trust in technology is a key determinant of technology adoption, use and an accelerator of understanding user perception. User perceptions of a technology’s characteristics influences the users’ initial decision to adopt the technology, while the user is less likely to make use of the technology if they perceive significant risk linked to the technology exploration. Objectives: This study focused on trust in relation to adoption of mobile applications for self-management of diabetic treatment regimens. The aim was to identify components that should be incorporated into these applications to positively influence user perception of trustworthiness for enhanced adoption. Method: This research study adopted the qualitative research approach with a survey design. Questionnaires were used to solicit user trust opinions and views of mobile applications for diabetes treatment management influencing adoption and continued use. Twenty people living with diabetes participated in the study by agreeing to download and try the Diabetes:M application, a diabetes self-management application for mobile devices from Google Play store. The diabetes application enables patients to log their treatment, create reminders and track treatment progress. Results: Functionality, usability, information accuracy and reliable information generated by diabetes applications were important elements identified by patients to trust these applications. Conclusion: Research findings showed that the applications for diabetes self-management should be usable, possess enough functionalities, give accurate information for decision-making, be reliable and secure to enhance the trust of people with diabetes.