Development and Validation of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS).
BACKGROUND
The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) provides a reliable method to assess the quality of mobile health (mHealth) apps. However, training and expertise in mHealth and the relevant health field is required to administer it.


OBJECTIVE
This study describes the development and reliability testing of an end-user version of the MARS (uMARS).


METHODS
The MARS was simplified and piloted with 13 young people to create the uMARS. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the uMARS was then examined in a second sample of 164 young people participating in a randomized controlled trial of a mHealth app. App ratings were collected using the uMARS at 1-, 3,- and 6-month follow up.


RESULTS
The uMARS had excellent internal consistency (alpha = .90), with high individual alphas for all subscales. The total score and subscales had good test-retest reliability over both 1-2 months and 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The uMARS is a simple tool that can be reliably used by end-users to assess the quality of mHealth apps.
Centre for Children's Health Research, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Stoyan R
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3399-3347
SR
Stoyanov
Leanne
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4550-8460
L
Hides
David J
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9072-8828
DJ
Kavanagh
Hollie
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7633-7094
H
Wilson
Australia; Internet; MARS; RCT; anxiety; anxiety disorders; app evaluation; app rating; app trial; cellphone; cognitive behavioral therapy; depression; depressive disorder; e-therapy; eHealth; ehealth; emental health; end user; evidence-informed; mHealth; mHealth evaluation; mHealth implementation; mental health; mhealth trial; mobile application; mobile health; online; randomized controlled trial; reliability; research translation; smartphone; telemedicine; user testing; well being