Mobile applications for foot self-care in type 2 diabetes: scoping review

Introduction: Diabetes-related foot disease impairs quality of life, increases morbidity and mortality, and generates high healthcare costs. Mobile health applications represent a promising strategy to support foot self-care in people with type 2 diabetes, yet their scope and characteristics remain unclear. Objective: To map the extent and nature of the literature on mobile applications for foot self-care in adults with type 2 diabetes, describing content, functionalities, and gaps. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Searches were carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and grey literature. Eligible studies involved adults with type 2 diabetes and mobile applications for foot self-care. Data extraction considered app characteristics and functionalities. Results: Of the 7,360 records identified, ten studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on ten applications. Common features included reminders, self-monitoring, and educational content. No application fully integrated the main technological functionalities identified as relevant to supporting foot self-care. Behavior change techniques were seldom applied, and privacy/security aspects were frequently overlooked. Conclusion: The findings reveal the need for more comprehensive, evidence-based, user-centered mobile health applications for foot self-care in type 2 diabetes. Strengthening the integration of behavior change strategies and ensuring privacy protection are critical for effective interventions. This review guides future research, development, and evaluation of mobile health solutions, supporting self-care in chronic diseases.