A Mobile App (MyPeer) Co-Designed With Immigrant Adolescents for Better Sexual and Reproductive Health: Usability Study.

The MyPeer app received its highest MARS scores in functionality, with performance and navigation rated at a mean of 4.3 out of 5.

• 17 interest holders evaluated the app using the standardized Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), rating components on a scale of 1-5
• Functionality domain (performance and navigation) received a mean score of 4.3
• Engagement domain (interest) received a mean score of 3.7
• Aesthetics domain received mean scores of 4.1 for graphics and 3.9 for visual appeal

The lowest-rated MARS domains for the MyPeer app were customization (mean score 2.5) and interactivity (mean score 3.1).

• Customization received a mean score of 2.5 out of 5, the lowest of all rated items
• Interactivity received a mean score of 3.1 out of 5
• These scores were identified as areas requiring improvement in future app development iterations
• 17 interest holders working with the target population completed the MARS evaluation

Adolescent participants found the app visually appealing and easy to navigate, and appreciated interactive features such as quizzes and multimedia content.

• 25 immigrant adolescents participated in moderated focus group discussions (FGDs)
• Adolescents appreciated the presentation of information through various media, including videos and infographics
• FGD findings were categorized into four themes: navigation and interface, SRH information quality and learning, technical performance, and accessibility and multimedia usability
• All FGDs were audio-recorded and later analyzed to implement changes in the app

Adolescent participants identified technical issues and requested deeper content on sexual and reproductive health topics.

• Technical issues identified included map glitches and navigation inconsistencies
• Participants requested more in-depth content on SRH topics beyond what was initially included
• Feedback from both youth and content experts helped identify technical refinements and content requirements
• These findings were used to iteratively improve the app design

A total of 42 participants were involved in the usability study, comprising 25 immigrant adolescents and 17 interest holders working with the target population.

• Adolescents participated in moderated focus group discussions (FGDs)
• Interest holders evaluated the app's quality using the standardized MARS instrument
• The study used a community-based participatory research approach and human-centered design principles
• The study was conducted in Canada and targeted youth from migrant backgrounds

The study used a community-based participatory research approach combined with human-centered design principles to co-design the MyPeer app with immigrant adolescents.

• Few SRH mobile apps in Canada are co-designed with immigrant youth or meaningfully integrate their voices and lived experiences, as noted by the authors
• The participatory design approach incorporated feedback from both youth participants and content experts
• The design process aimed to create culturally relevant and evidence-based SRH educational resources
• The authors emphasize 'the value of participatory design in youth digital interventions'

Immigrant adolescents face amplified barriers to sexual and reproductive health information compared to non-immigrant youth due to societal stigmas and cultural taboos.

• Youth from migrant backgrounds may be constrained by societal stigmas and cultural taboos regarding SRH
• Adolescents generally experience barriers and challenges while trying to promote their SRH or access SRH services
• Mobile health interventions were identified as having potential to provide culturally relevant, accessible, and evidence-based SRH educational resources
• The authors note that few SRH mobile apps in Canada meaningfully integrate immigrant youth voices and lived experiences