Content and functionality features of voiding diary applications for mobile devices in Brazil: a descriptive analysis

Introduction and hypothesis A voiding diary is a method to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms. The purpose was to elaborate a descriptive analysis of nonpaid voiding diaries for mobile applications and to compare them regarding their quality. Methods We searched the platforms of iTunes (Apple Inc., Brazil) and Google Play (Google Inc., Brazil) using the keywords: “voiding diary,” “bladder diary,” “urinary diary,” “urinary incontinence,” and “pelvic floor.” Inclusion criteria were: apps free of charge and specific for voiding diaries in the Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English language. Exclusion criteria were: access or technical problems and pediatric apps. We quantitatively analyzed and compared the apps with each other according to their functionality features and voiding diary topics (type and volume of fluid intake, voiding episodes and volume, type and episodes of incontinence, amount of leakage, urgency, and use of pads and nocturia). We rated the apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), whose scores for each feature vary from 1 (worst score) to 5 (best score). Results Fifty-five apps were eligible; 16 were included for analyses. None presented all 11 topics of the voiding diary, and the median number of available features was 6 (3.75–7). “Incontinence episodes” was present in eight apps, and "nocturia" was present in five. The mean score of apps ranged between 1.7 and 4.5. Conclusion There is variation in the content of voiding topics among the apps. Patients and professionals should choose the app based on the topics of most or particular interest.