Web and Mobile Based HIV Prevention and Intervention Programs Pros and Cons - A Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Background:

• Growing population of individuals living with HIV necessitates innovative control strategies.
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are crucial for managing HIV/AIDS spread.
• Web and mobile technologies are increasingly adopted by young people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive review of web and mobile-based HIV prevention and intervention programs.
• To identify and analyze existing digital health initiatives for HIV/AIDS.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Databases searched included PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Proquest (2009-2016).
• Keywords: HIV, AIDS, m-Health, Mobile phone, Internet, and Web.

Main Results:

• Initial search yielded 173 references; 101 duplicates were removed.
• Full-text review of 35 articles led to the inclusion of 72 final studies.
• Identified various web and mobile-based HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention programs.

Conclusions:

• Web and mobile interventions offer consistent delivery, low costs, and broad community reach.
• Online programs include chat-based education, therapeutic systems, and information seeking.
• Mobile health interventions encompass health system applications, population health tools, and messaging campaigns.