Are mHealth Interventions Effective in Improving the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents? A Scoping Review

IJERPH, Vol. 21, Pages 165: Are mHealth Interventions Effective in Improving the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents? A Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph21020165

Authors:
Nazeema Isaacs
Xolani Ntinga
Thabo Keetsi
Lindelwa Bhembe
Bongumenzi Mthembu
Allanise Cloete
Candice Groenewald

Adolescents continue to face challenges to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) both locally and internationally. Digital technologies such as the Internet, text messaging, and social media are often viewed as valuable tools for disseminating information on SRH. Mobile health, also known as mHealth, is a medical and public health practise that uses these digital technologies to communicate information. The literature has revealed that mHealth interventions have a positive outcome in delivering SRH information to adolescents. This review aimed to synthesise empirical studies that evaluate mHealth interventions and assess the extent to which these mHealth interventions promote sexual and reproductive health outcomes among young people. This scoping review reviewed the literature across four databases, including EBSCOhost, Scopus, Proquest, and Cochrane, and included 12 articles. The findings have shown that mHealth interventions are effective in enhancing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and attitudes among young people in both low-middle and high-income countries. However, comprehensive longitudinal studies are necessary to measure the sustainability and long-term influence of mHealth interventions on behaviour. It is recommended that with artificial intelligence (AI) improvements, there is a possible path to bolstering mHealth interventions.