Characteristics of suicide prevention apps: a content analysis of apps available in Canada and the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We aimed to examine the characteristics, features and content of suicide prevention mobile apps available in app stores in Canada and the UK.

Design

Suicide prevention apps were identified from Apple and Android app stores between March and April 2023. Apps were screened against predefined inclusion criteria, and duplicate apps were removed. Data were then extracted based on descriptive (eg, genre, app developer), security (eg, password protection) and design features (eg, personalisation options). Content of apps was assessed using the Essential Features Framework. Extracted data were analysed using a content analysis approach including narrative frequencies and descriptive statistics.

Data sources

Apple and Android app stores between March and April 2023.

SUBMITTER: Bennett-Poynter L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11751985 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature