Kira Application (Kir’App), the first Rwandan diabetes self-management Smartphone Application, is a client-centered Android App developed in 2019 to address the health education needs of Rwandans living with diabetes.
Before its creation, qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 young and adult Rwandans living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to assess their needs and expectations for the app.
The development of Kir’App underwent rigorous testing and evaluation by the same users who were initially interviewed to ensure its effectiveness in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by Rwandans living with diabetes. A qualitative study was later conducted to assess users’ experiences after three months of using Kir’App.
With over 1000 downloads by Android users, Kir’App has been validated and accepted by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. The app consists of 10 pages designed to assist people living with diabetes in various aspects of disease self-management, including information on diabetes, food and drinks, physical activity, blood sugar, foot care, health checkups, advice, general knowledge, and reminders.
Kir’app pages contain six parts: “The must know,” “Frequently asked questions,” “Myths or rumors,” the individual “diary,” “References used,” and a “Questions and comments” forum from users.
Kir’App is available in both English and Kinyarwanda, and it’s free for users. However, users are reminded that the information provided in the app is general knowledge and recommendations and should not replace professional advice from healthcare providers.
For more information, please refer to the following research articles:
1. Assessment of Rwandan Diabetic patients’ needs and expectations to develop their first diabetes self-management smartphone Application (Kir’App). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2042018819845318
2. A qualitative study of users’ experiences after 3 months: the first Rwandan Diabetes self-management smartphone Application (Kir’App). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2042018820914510
To download Kir’App, please click here; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kirapp.dk.kirapp
The current focus of Kir’App development involves:
- Creating tailored Kir’App extensions for individuals with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, their caregivers as well as for the general public.
- Designing Kir’app to serve as an invaluable educational resource for healthcare providers, empowering them to enrich their understanding and management of diabetes in their daily patient care.
- Making Kir’App accessible to IOs users.
- Making the content of Kir’App available to non-smartphone users.