Desenvolvimento de conteúdo e desenho de aplicativo móvel para autocuidado em hanseníase na atenção primária

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop the educational content and conceptual design of a mobile application intended to support self-care in leprosy. This methodological study was conducted in three phases: benchmarking of existing applications, a literature review on digital technologies applied to leprosy, and the conceptual and educational design of the application. The benchmarking was carried out in the Google Play and Apple Store platforms through a systematic search in multiple languages, with analysis of usability, target audience, functionalities, and limitations. The literature review included international databases (PubMed, LILACS), official documents from the WHO and the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and scientific publications on mHealth and self-care. The final phase consisted of developing the conceptual prototype using the frameworks proposed by Mendonza & Galvis (1999) and the three versions of Bloom’s Taxonomy (classic, revised, and digital). The results revealed a critical technological gap: currently, there is no free, Portuguese-language, patient-centered application designed specifically for self-care in leprosy. Existing technologies focus predominantly on professionals, diagnosis, and surveillance, without addressing essential needs such as health education, prevention of disabilities, daily management of warning signs, and stigma reduction. Based on these gaps, the prototype of the App Cuidar+ was developed, structured in user journeys (first access, self-care routine, management of warning signs) and composed of modules such as: daily dashboard, body inspection guide, preventive exercises, symptom diary with photographic records, telehealth, and an anti-stigma educational center. The design prioritized accessibility (WCAG 2.1), cognitive simplicity, non-stigmatizing language, and user-centered design principles. The study’s limitations include the absence of a validation phase with real users, the lack of formal usability testing, the benchmarking restricted to the data collection period, and the narrative nature of the literature review, without a systematic review protocol. On the other hand, the study addresses an unprecedented gap in digital health solutions for neglected diseases; offers a robust and methodologically grounded prototype; integrates advanced pedagogical principles with design engineering; and contributes to improving care within Primary Health Care, enhancing user autonomy and empowerment. In conclusion, the prototype developed provides a foundation for future phases of technological development, validation, and implementation, representing a significant advancement in the field of self-care and digital health for neglected diseases in Brazil. The Cuidar+ App has the potential to strengthen treatment adherence, prevent disabilities, and contribute meaningfully to stigma reduction and to improving the quality of care within the Family Health Strategy.