mHealth opportunities to address global health challenges for adolescents: scoping review (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Adverse health behavior during the adolescent phase contributes to the global burden of chronic disease and preventable disability from physical injury. It is essential to encourage positive health behavior among adolescents, such as on-time vaccination, safer sex practices, and early recognition of infectious conditions and mental illness before complications arise from unprotected sexual debut or undetected illness. OBJECTIVE The aim of the research is to determine opportunities for mHealth innovation among adolescents. METHODS A scoping review was undertaken. Primary studies, deemed eligible, included adolescents (defined as 10-19 years of age) of any gender, location or ethnicity, with access to a mobile phone or wireless device used for a health-related outcome. Studies reported on health outcomes related to HIV, TB, vaccine-preventable disease, depression, suicide, road traffic accidents, and substances other than tobacco use. Purely qualitative study designs and voice-only calls were excluded. RESULTS The initial search retrieved 3498 studies. Out of 22 studies that met the eligibility criteria, the majority focussed on sexual and reproductive health. Only 12 studies clearly reported behavioral and biological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The scoping review identified key gaps in the research, which creates an opportunity to develop innovative mHealth solutions for adolescents. The gaps include an assessment of whether mHealth improves the management of the most common global adolescent conditions.