Clemens Scott Kruse|José Betancourt|Stephanie M. Ortiz|Susana Melissa Valdes Luna|Inderdeep Kaur Bamrah|Narce Segovia
Barriers to the Use of Mobile Health in Improving Health Outcomes in Developing Countries: Systematic Review
Texas State University|Texas State University|Texas State University|Texas State University|Texas State University|Texas State University
use mobile health mhealth technologies improve populationlevel health outcomes around world surged last decade research supports use mhealth apps improve health outcomes maternal infant mortality treatment adherence immunization rates prevention communicable diseases however developing countries face significant barriers successfully implement sustain expand mhealth initiatives improve health vulnerable populationswe aimed identify synthesize barriers use mhealth technologies text messaging short message service sms calls apps change possible improve health behaviors health outcomes populations developing countrieswe followed preferred reporting items systematic reviews metaanalyses checklist deriving search criteria reviews primary objective searched pubmed cinahl using exhaustive terms search eg mhealth text messaging developing countries respective medical subject headings limited publication date english language full text least two authors thoroughly reviewed articles abstract verify articles germane objective applied filters conducted consensus meetings confirm articles met study criteriareview 2224 studies resulted final group 30 articles analysis mhealth initiatives used extensively worldwide applications maternal health prenatal care infant care hivaids prevention treatment adherence cardiovascular disease diabetes health education studies conducted several developing countries africa asia latin america article recorded specific health outcome improved mhealth technology used barriers successful implementation intervention developing country prominent health outcomes improved mhealth infectious diseases maternal health accounting combined 2030 67 total studies analysis frequent mhealth technology used sms accounting 1830 60 studies identified 73 individual barriers grouped 14 main categories top 3 barrier categories infrastructure lack equipment technology gap together accounted 28 individual barriersthis systematic review shed light prominent health outcomes improved using mhealth technology interventions developing countries barriers identified provide leaders future intervention projects solid foundation design thus increasing chances longterm success suggest overcome top three barriers project leaders wish implement mhealth interventions must establish partnerships local governments nongovernmental organizations secure funding leadership required infrastructure