Promoting Culturally Tailored mHealth: A Scoping Review of Mobile Health Interventions in Latinx Communities

Abstract

This scoping review of mHealth research focuses on intervention studies that utilize mobile technologies to promote behavior change and improve health outcomes in U.S. Latinx communities. 342 mHealth articles were reviewed using PRIMSA protocols; most did not include a majority Latinx study population or did not report on an intervention. The final sample resulted in 23 articles published between 2012 and 2020. Reviewed interventions focused on conditions such as: diabetes, depression, substance abuse, obesity, hypertension, maternal health, and farmworker safety. About one-third of mHealth interventions included mobile applications, the rest were limited to texting programs. Text message reminders can help improve medication adherence and care access, especially when coupled with support from community health workers. Bi-directional text message interventions with feedback loops and personalized treatment options can build user agency. Additionally, multimodal applications that combine texting with self-guided interactive content show promise for culturally tailored mHealth.

Digital interventions targeting excessive substance use and substance use disorders: a comprehensive and systematic scoping review and bibliometric analysis

“…Interventions targeting substance use and sexual health have been shown to be applicable and acceptable among men who have sex with men ( 78 , 79 ). Preliminary effects of digital interventions have been shown on substance use among Hispanic and Black American minorities ( 80 , 81 ). Digital interventions have been shown to be able to engage young people from indigenous populations ( 26 ) and half of the programs have shown positive effects on substance use ( 82 ).…”

Feasibility and utility of mobile health interventions for depression and anxiety in rural populations: A scoping review

“…Although the need for mental health support in underserved rural communities is clear ( World Health Organization, 2022 ; Thornicroft et al, 2017 ; World Health Organization, 2021 ; Ferris-Day et al, 2021 ), as well as the promise of mHealth to meet this need because of attributes including potential cost-effectiveness and ability to be customized according to local needs, resources, language, and culture ( Friesen, 2019 ; Hrynyschyn and Dockweiler, 2021 ; Kruse et al, 2022 ; Turan and Çetintaş, 2021 ; Gonzalez et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2020 ; Watson-Singleton et al, 2021 ; Gentili et al, 2022 ; Iribarren et al, 2017 ), there are at present few mHealth interventions specifically designed for rural communities.…”

“…4), has the potential to address depression and anxiety in rural communities ( Friesen, 2019 ; Hrynyschyn and Dockweiler, 2021 ; Kruse et al, 2022 ; Turan and Çetintaş, 2021 ). In addition to being accessible, a strength of mHealth is that it is customizable for specific mental health needs, language, and culture based upon theoretically-driven frameworks ( Gonzalez et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2020 ; Watson-Singleton et al, 2021 ; Castro et al, 2010 ; Cork et al, 2019 ). Compared with other health intervention delivery modes such as telehealth and face-to-face support, evidence suggests that mHealth may also be cost-effective ( Gentili et al, 2022 ; Iribarren et al, 2017 ).…”

Stakeholders’ Views on Mobile Applications to Deliver Infant and Toddler Feeding Education to Latina Mothers of Low Socioeconomic Status

“…This type of personalization could, as suggested by participants, increase mothers' motivation to use the app. Indeed, in a scoping review, researchers noted that the success of mHealth interventions in engaging and improving health outcomes among Latinx demonstrates the importance of culturally tailored interventions and participatory strategies that take into account cultural preferences [55]. Opportunities still remain to further personalize mHealth interventions to meet the specific needs of cultural subgroups within the US Latinx community.…”