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Background: Weight
gain and its related illnesses have become a major public health issue across
the world, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries seeing dramatic
increases in obesity and overweight, and yet there is very little information
on how to intervene with this demographic due to cultural and linguistic
barriers. As the use of smartphones and apps has also increased in the
region, information communication technologies could be a cost-effective
means of facilitating the delivery of behavior-modification interventions
directly to the target population. Although there are existing apps that
offer lifestyle-modification tools, they do not give consideration to the
evidence-based practices for weight management. This offers an opportunity to
create an Arabic language weight loss app that offers localized content and
adheres to evidence-informed practices that are needed for effective weight
loss.
Objective: This
paper describes the process of developing an Arabic weight loss app designed
to facilitate the modification of key nutritional and physical activity
behaviors among Saudi adults, while taking into consideration cultural norms.
Methods: The
development of the Twazon app involved: (1) reviewing all available Arabic
weight loss apps and compared with evidence-based practices for weight loss,
(2) conducting a qualitative study with overweight and obese Saudi women to
ascertain their preferences, (3) selecting which behavioral change strategies
and guidelines to be used in the app, (4) creating the Saudi Food Database,
(5) deciding on graphic design for both iPhone operating system and Android
platforms, including user interface, relational database, and programming
code, and (6) testing the beta version of the app with health professionals
and potential users.
Results: The
Twazon app took 23 months to develop and included the compilation of an
original Saudi Food database. Eight subjects gave feedback regarding the
content validity and usability of the app and its features during a pilot
study. The predominant issue among the group was the lack of information
explaining how to use the app. This has since been resolved through the
implementation of a tutorial. No other changes were required to be made.
Conclusions: Information
communication technologies, such as smartphone apps, may be an effective tool
for facilitating the modification of unhealthy lifestyle habits in Saudi;
however, consideration must be given to the target population, cultural
norms, and changing trends in the global market. The effectiveness of the app
will be better determined during a 6-month intervention with 200 overweight
and obese Saudi women.
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