Development and Validation of Eating Disorder Screening App for Population of Pakistan

 

The deployment of smartphones and tablets by the medical field to offer versatility in clinical settings has increased with rapid advancements in mobile technology. Today mobile apps are being used in different domains of practice, for clinical reference, for improving workflow in healthcare facilities, health education, communication, patient engagement with healthcare professionals and health awareness programs. A targeted and focused approach towards the usability of the app along with motivational features and social and cultural norms lead to successful considerations. Another study conducted in Australia highlighted that an evidence-based, focused patient-centered weight management program through the use of an app can be implemented in pharmacies to achieve targeted results. Smartphone apps may be an advanced medium for delivering individual health behavior change intervention in large populations. The increased prevalence of the use of mobile phones and other electronic equipment has not only changed the lifestyle of individuals but has also affected the dynamics of the health care system. Today validated, reliable, cost-effective and user-friendly mobile healthcare applications are widely accepted by healthcare officials, organizations and patients all over the world. A review of eating disorder treatment apps conducted in USA concluded that mobile health tools showed feasible modalities for delivering health-based services and interventions to the public. A review of smartphone applications for eating disorders reported that the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of apps should be evaluated for the provision of better healthcare service. 

Pakistan ranks in 9th position out of 188 countries in terms of obesity. Lack of screening programs, inadequate standard practices low knowledge of guidelines regarding eating disorders are not only delaying the diagnosis but are also compromising the health-related quality of life of the people. Moderate binge eating disorder was reported in obese individuals in Pakistan but still in most of the cases it goes undiagnosed. Students and non-smokers were found more prone to Binge Eating Disorder but early detection through effective screening programs and evidence-based treatment strategies would help the patients to recover in the initial stages in order to prevent further complications. Eating disorder is the biggest social taboo that needs to be addressed in Pakistan. Unfortunately, data on eating disorders in Pakistan is scarce due to limited research conducted from this perspective. To decrease prevalence of eating disorders in Pakistan, screening has become inevitable. To do so, a patient centered  outcome-oriented screening health app can assist in better diagnosis and provide logistic support to the healthcare providers of the country. Therefore, the current research was designed by the team of EDAOP to develop and validate an eating disorders screening app for Pakistani population.

The result of the present study concluded moderate prevalence of eating disorders and obesity in Pakistani population. The app was found useful in screening and promoting awareness regarding eating disorders and decreasing negative belief attached to social taboo about eating disorders. Therefore, massive awareness campaigns must be launched to aware community of the importance of early diagnosis and screening. Different versions of apps should be launched to be used in Android as well as IOS versions to increase their use along with voice modules which will increase the interest of the community in Health.

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