Addressing preconception behaviour change through mobile phone apps: a protocol for a systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Public Health

Background:

• Maternal and infant health is linked to preconception health.
• The preconception period is crucial for lifestyle optimization.
• Biomedical, social, and environmental risk factors impact perinatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of mobile phone applications in promoting behavior change.
• To assess the impact of these apps on long-term maternal and infant outcomes.
• To evaluate mobile apps as interventions for women of reproductive age.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, and cluster-randomized trials.
• Searches of major health databases (WHO, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE).
• Inclusion of studies where interventions commenced prior to pregnancy.

Main Results:

• This review is the first to assess preconception mobile app interventions.
• Effectiveness of mobile apps in behavior change and improving outcomes is under evaluation.
• Comparison against text messaging, paper-based, or standard care interventions.

Conclusions:

• Mobile phone applications show promise as tools for preconception health behavior change.
• Further research is needed to fully understand their impact on maternal and child health.
• This review provides a foundation for future digital health strategies in reproductive wellness.