Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

PURPOSEAlthough significant differences in health care outcomes remain between low-middle–income countries and high-income countries, access to mobile devices is comparable. Interactive, patient-centric mobile health (mHealth) technology interventions may mitigate the increasing cancer burden in sub...

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Main Authors: Kamaria L. Lee, Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni, Dorothy C. Lombe, Graciela M. Nogueras Gonzalez, Pavitra P. Krishnamani, Patrick P. Carriere, Austin Huang, Lango Sichizya, Elizabeth Yu Chiao, Kate J. Krause, Lilie L. Lin, Susan K. Peterson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Society of Clinical Oncology 2025-08-01
Series:JCO Global Oncology
Online Access:https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-25-00157
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author Kamaria L. Lee
Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni
Dorothy C. Lombe
Graciela M. Nogueras Gonzalez
Pavitra P. Krishnamani
Patrick P. Carriere
Austin Huang
Lango Sichizya
Elizabeth Yu Chiao
Kate J. Krause
Lilie L. Lin
Susan K. Peterson
author_facet Kamaria L. Lee
Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni
Dorothy C. Lombe
Graciela M. Nogueras Gonzalez
Pavitra P. Krishnamani
Patrick P. Carriere
Austin Huang
Lango Sichizya
Elizabeth Yu Chiao
Kate J. Krause
Lilie L. Lin
Susan K. Peterson
author_sort Kamaria L. Lee
collection DOAJ
description PURPOSEAlthough significant differences in health care outcomes remain between low-middle–income countries and high-income countries, access to mobile devices is comparable. Interactive, patient-centric mobile health (mHealth) technology interventions may mitigate the increasing cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these interventions' distribution, efficacy, and feasibility in the region are unknown.METHODSWe compiled literature on two-way, patient-centric mHealth technology in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched online databases for studies completed in sub-Saharan Africa with mHealth interventions (inception to July 23, 2024). Two authors independently completed title/abstract screening. Inclusion criteria were sub-Saharan African setting, age 13 years or older with any health condition, two-way mobile communication, and outcomes studies. Studies that passed title/abstract screening underwent full-text review by two independent authors. Discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Data extraction/review was completed using Covidence software and Microsoft Excel.RESULTSWe retrieved 1,380 unique citations. After screening/review, the final sample size was 37. Randomized controlled trials were most common (n = 20). A plurality took place in Kenya. HIV was the most common condition (n = 30). Interventions included messages about medication/appointment adherence and patient status. Most studies (32 of 37 [86%]) had at least one positive finding. Study characteristics varied widely for those with positive findings, but using various message frequencies, or peer navigators/social supporters increased success. All studies with no positive findings were randomized controlled trials; four of the five were on HIV.CONCLUSIONMost two-way, patient-centric mHealth interventions in sub-Saharan Africa have been successful by at least one measure. Interventions have primarily been for patients with HIV. No studies have focused on cancer. With the increasing cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa, an understanding of mHealth in oncologic settings is greatly needed.
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spelling doaj-art-08b40ab3dab24fb88eb9d3ba368ed9812025-08-20T03:40:45ZengAmerican Society of Clinical OncologyJCO Global Oncology2687-89412025-08-011110.1200/GO-25-00157Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping ReviewKamaria L. Lee0Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni1Dorothy C. Lombe2Graciela M. Nogueras Gonzalez3Pavitra P. Krishnamani4Patrick P. Carriere5Austin Huang6Lango Sichizya7Elizabeth Yu Chiao8Kate J. Krause9Lilie L. Lin10Susan K. Peterson11Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXCancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, ZambiaDepartment of Radiation Oncology, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North, New ZealandDepartment of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXDepartment of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXDepartment of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXBaylor College of Medicine, Houston, TXCancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, ZambiaDepartment of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXResearch Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXDepartment of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXDepartment of Behavioral Science, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXPURPOSEAlthough significant differences in health care outcomes remain between low-middle–income countries and high-income countries, access to mobile devices is comparable. Interactive, patient-centric mobile health (mHealth) technology interventions may mitigate the increasing cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these interventions' distribution, efficacy, and feasibility in the region are unknown.METHODSWe compiled literature on two-way, patient-centric mHealth technology in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched online databases for studies completed in sub-Saharan Africa with mHealth interventions (inception to July 23, 2024). Two authors independently completed title/abstract screening. Inclusion criteria were sub-Saharan African setting, age 13 years or older with any health condition, two-way mobile communication, and outcomes studies. Studies that passed title/abstract screening underwent full-text review by two independent authors. Discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Data extraction/review was completed using Covidence software and Microsoft Excel.RESULTSWe retrieved 1,380 unique citations. After screening/review, the final sample size was 37. Randomized controlled trials were most common (n = 20). A plurality took place in Kenya. HIV was the most common condition (n = 30). Interventions included messages about medication/appointment adherence and patient status. Most studies (32 of 37 [86%]) had at least one positive finding. Study characteristics varied widely for those with positive findings, but using various message frequencies, or peer navigators/social supporters increased success. All studies with no positive findings were randomized controlled trials; four of the five were on HIV.CONCLUSIONMost two-way, patient-centric mHealth interventions in sub-Saharan Africa have been successful by at least one measure. Interventions have primarily been for patients with HIV. No studies have focused on cancer. With the increasing cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa, an understanding of mHealth in oncologic settings is greatly needed.https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-25-00157
spellingShingle Kamaria L. Lee
Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni
Dorothy C. Lombe
Graciela M. Nogueras Gonzalez
Pavitra P. Krishnamani
Patrick P. Carriere
Austin Huang
Lango Sichizya
Elizabeth Yu Chiao
Kate J. Krause
Lilie L. Lin
Susan K. Peterson
Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
JCO Global Oncology
title Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
title_full Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
title_fullStr Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
title_full_unstemmed Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
title_short Use of Interactive, Patient-Centric Mobile Health Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
title_sort use of interactive patient centric mobile health technology in sub saharan africa a scoping review
url https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-25-00157
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