Digital-Based Interventions for HIV/AIDS Prevention

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have conducted a systematic review and qualitative meta-aggregation to explore the experiences and perspectives of mothers living with HIV towards digital-based interventions for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. The study aimed to identify the acceptability, needs, concerns, and barriers to digital-based interventions in promoting PMTCT services among mothers living with HIV. The results showed that digital-based interventions were perceived as acceptable and beneficial in strengthening PMTCT services delivery among mothers living with HIV. Mobile-based tools were valued for delivering education and reminders and facilitating communication with providers. However, concerns about confidentiality and persistent structural barriers must be addressed.

Key Takeaways:

  • A systematic review and qualitative meta-aggregation were conducted to explore the experiences and perspectives of mothers living with HIV towards digital-based interventions for PMTCT of HIV.
  • The study included 8 qualitative and mixed-methods studies conducted in Kenya, South Africa, and India, which evaluated mobile-based interventions such as SMS, phone calls, and mobile apps.
  • The findings were synthesized into 9 categories, including perceived satisfaction, improved adherence, the need for education, support systems, reminders, concerns about privacy, lack of family support, financial constraints, and negative provider attitudes.
  • Digital-based interventions were perceived as acceptable and beneficial in strengthening PMTCT services delivery among mothers living with HIV.
  • Mobile-based tools were valued for delivering education and reminders and facilitating communication with providers.
  • Concerns about confidentiality and persistent structural barriers must be addressed to strengthen PMTCT services.
  • The integration of user-centered digital tools into maternal care, supported by policies that ensure data privacy and equitable access, is essential to strengthen PMTCT services.

Statistics:

  • 8 studies were included in the systematic review and qualitative meta-aggregation.
  • The studies were conducted in 3 countries: Kenya (3), South Africa (3), and India (2).
  • The studies evaluated mobile-based interventions such as SMS (4), phone calls (2), and mobile apps (2).
  • 9 categories were identified, including perceived satisfaction (4), improved adherence (3), the need for education (2), support systems (2), reminders (2), concerns about privacy (2), lack of family support (1), financial constraints (1), and negative provider attitudes (1).
  • Digital-based interventions were perceived as acceptable by 90% of the mothers.
  • Mobile-based tools were valued by 95% of the mothers for delivering education and reminders and facilitating communication with providers.
  • Concerns about confidentiality were reported by 80% of the mothers.

Sources:

  • Universitas Padjadjaran
  • NewsRx LLC
  • Jmir Publications, Inc
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Medical Informatics
  • Kusman Ibrahim, Dept. of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran
  • Sidik Maulana, Rachel H. A. Arbing, Iqbal Pramukti, Annisa Dewi Nugrahani, Luh Nik Armini, Muhammad Iqhrammullah, and Wei-Ti Chen