Donaldson F. Conserve|Larissa Jennings|Carolina Aguiar|Grace Shin|Lara Handler|Suzanne Maman
Systematic review of mobile health behavioural interventions to improve uptake of HIV testing for vulnerable and key populations
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|Johns Hopkins University|Johns Hopkins University|University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
introduction systematic narrative review examined empirical evidence effectiveness mobile health mhealth behavioural interventions designed increase uptake hiv testing among vulnerable key populations methods medlinepubmed embase web science global health electronic databases searched studies eligible inclusion published 2005 2015 evaluated mhealth intervention reported outcome relating hiv testing also reviewed bibliographies retrieved studies relevant citations methodological rigor selected articles assessed narrative analyses used synthesize findings mixed methodologies results total seven articles met inclusion criteria mhealth interventions employed textmessaging feature conducted middle highincome countries methodological rigor moderate among studies current literature suggests mhealth interventions significant positive effects hiv testing initiation among vulnerable key populations well general public cases null results observed qualitative themes relating use mobile technologies increase hiv testing included benefits lowcost confidential motivational communication reported barriers included cellular network restrictions poor linkages physical testing services limited knowledge appropriate textmessaging dose discussion mhealth interventions may prove beneficial reducing proportion undiagnosed persons living hiv particularly among vulnerable key populations however rigorous tailored interventions needed assess effectiveness widespread use