mHealth family planning interventions

CITATION: Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Improving Contraceptive Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Banyar Aung, Jason W. Mitchell and Kathryn L. Braun
Global Health: Science and Practice November 2020, https://doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-20-00069

KEY FINDINGS
– Of the 8 mHealth family planning interventions that met inclusion criteria, 3 studies improved family planning outcomes and 4 studies experienced implementation issues.
– Further research is needed to encourage robust program fidelity of mHealth family planning interventions, along with a more thorough understanding of what mHealth and behavior change components are needed to improve family planning outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

KEY IMPLICATIONS
– A “push” approach, interactive communication, information tailored to participants, motivational messaging, and male partner involvement appear to be tied to better family planning outcomes.
– Program managers and researchers should consider improvements in protocols and fidelity that are needed to more accurately assess how well mHealth family planning interventions impact outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
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‘The 3 studies that reported improving contraceptive uptake used a “push” approach to deliver information and an interactive type communication.’

Neil Pakenham-Walsh, HIFA Coordinator, neil@hifa.org www.hifa.org