Technology-Based Substance Use Interventions: Opportunities for Gender-Transformative Health Promotion

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Substance use interventions require tailored approaches considering sex and gender.
• Technological advancements offer new avenues for prevention and health promotion.
• Integrating gender-based analysis into technology-based substance use interventions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore gender-informed and technology-based approaches in substance use prevention and health promotion.
• To assess current technology-based interventions for sex and gender responsiveness.
• To identify limitations and propose future directions for gender-equitable digital health.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of data from a scoping review on sex, gender, and substance use.
• Analysis of current technology-based approaches for substance use prevention and health promotion.
• Assessment of interventions for gender-specific and gender transformative outcomes.

Main Results:

• Current technology-based interventions show varied effectiveness in addressing sex and gender.
• Limitations include issues with inclusivity, access, confidentiality, and lack of gender-based analysis.
• There is a need for more research on integrating gender equity into digital substance use tools.

Conclusions:

• Technology-based interventions must actively incorporate gender-informed principles for effective substance use prevention.
• Future interventions should prioritize inclusivity, access, and confidentiality while addressing gender equity.
• A call to action is proposed for advancing gender-equitable technology in substance use health promotion and prevention.