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The effectiveness and characteristics of mHealth interventions to increase adolescent's use of Sexual and Reproductive Health services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Onukwugha, Franklin I.; Smith, Lesley; Kaseje, Dan; Wafula, Charles; Kaseje, Margaret; Orton, Bev; Hayter, Mark; Magadi, Monica

Authors

Franklin I. Onukwugha

Dan Kaseje

Charles Wafula

Margaret Kaseje

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Dr Bev Orton B.Orton@hull.ac.uk
Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology/ Academic Contact for Collaborative Provision

Mark Hayter

Monica Magadi



Abstract

Background mHealth innovations have been proposed as an effective solution to improving adolescent access to and use of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services; particularly in regions with deeply entrenched traditional social norms. However, research demonstrating the effectiveness and theoretical basis of the interventions is lacking. Aim Our aim was to describe mHealth intervention components, assesses their effectiveness, acceptability, and cost in improving adolescent's uptake of SRH services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods This paper is based on a systematic review. Twenty bibliographic databases and repositories including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL, were searched using pre-defined search terms. Of the 10, 990 records screened, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mERA checklist was used to critically assess the transparency and completeness in reporting of mHealth intervention studies. The behaviour change components of mHealth interventions were coded using the taxonomy of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs). The protocol was registered in the 'International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews' (PROSPERO-CRD42020179051). Results The results showed that mHealth interventions were effective and improved adolescent's uptake of SRH services across a wide range of services. The evidence was strongest for contraceptive use. Interventions with two-way interactive functions and more behaviour change techniques embedded in the interventions improved adolescent uptake of SRH services to greater extent. Findings suggest that mHealth interventions promoting prevention or treatment adherence for HIV for individuals at risk of or living with HIV are acceptable to adolescents, and are feasible to deliver in SSA. Limited data from two studies reported interventions were inexpensive, however, none of the studies evaluated cost-effectiveness. Conclusion There is a need to develop mHealth interventions tailored for adolescents which are theoretically informed and incorporate effective behaviour change techniques. Such interventions, if low cost, have the potential to be a cost-effective means to improve the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in SSA.

Citation

Onukwugha, F. I., Smith, L., Kaseje, D., Wafula, C., Kaseje, M., Orton, B., …Magadi, M. (2022). The effectiveness and characteristics of mHealth interventions to increase adolescent's use of Sexual and Reproductive Health services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 17(1), Article e0261973. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261973

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 14, 2021
Online Publication Date Jan 21, 2022
Publication Date 2022
Deposit Date Jan 25, 2022
Publicly Available Date Jan 28, 2022
Journal PLoS ONE
Print ISSN 1932-6203
Electronic ISSN 1932-6203
Publisher Public Library of Science
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 17
Issue 1
Article Number e0261973
DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261973
Keywords Multidisciplinary
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3916908

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