Evaluation of Fatty Liver Disease Self-Care Applications: A Systematic Review and Evaluation of Apps Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (Mars) Publisher Pubmed



Mohammadzadeh N ; Daeechini A H ; Paghe A ; Laktarashi H V ; Esmaeeli E
Source: BMC Gastroenterology Published:2026

Abstract

Background: The use of mobile health applications (apps) has a significant impact on lifestyle changes, especially in chronic diseases such as fatty liver disease, and provides a good opportunity for self-care and lifestyle improvement. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the quality of self-care mobile applications for fatty liver patients based on the MARS rating features. Methods: Using related keywords from Google Play and App Combo stores, applications related to fatty liver disease self-care were searched and included in the study. The quality of the applications was then evaluated by four experts using the MARS questionnaire. Results: 58 apps were identified and screened according to the exclusion criteria, and 10 applications were included in the study. The average MARS score across all included applications was 3.06 out of 5, with the majority of the apps achieving a minimum acceptability score of 3.0. The highest score was related to the functional dimension with an overall average of 4.2 and the lowest score was related to the subjective quality dimension with an overall average of 2.5. Conclusions: Mobile applications in self-care for fatty liver disease in this study were evaluated at an acceptable level, and most of the applications provided comprehensive information about the disease and dietary recommendations. However, in providing some secondary features, such as providing a specific diet, communicating with a specialist, and reminders, they need to be improved, which can help to increase the effectiveness of the apps. © The Author(s) 2026.