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A Systematic Review of Technology-Assisted HIV Testing Interventions
Keith J Horvath1, Teresa Walker2, Linda Mireles2
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA. khorvath@sdsu.edu.
Current HIV/AIDS Reports
|June 9, 2020
Summary
Mobile health (mHealth) and technology-based interventions show promise for HIV testing. While many studies demonstrate feasibility and acceptability, optimizing uptake and identifying best practices for scaling up remain key challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Digital Health
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- HIV testing remains crucial for global health strategies.
- Technology-based interventions, including mobile health (mHealth), offer novel approaches to increase HIV testing reach.
- Assessing the evidence base for these interventions is vital for optimizing their implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the literature on mobile health (mHealth) and other technology-based HIV testing interventions.
- To focus on studies published between 2015 and 2020 to capture recent advancements.
- To synthesize findings on efficacy, feasibility, acceptability, and recommendations for future research and practice.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted for technology-based HIV testing interventions published from 2015 to 2020.
- Studies were categorized into efficacy trials, pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental studies.
- Data on intervention design, geographical distribution, outcomes, and participant feedback were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Eighteen studies were identified, with most interventions conducted internationally.
- Efficacy trials showed some evidence of effectiveness, though HIV testing uptake was sometimes low.
- Pilot RCTs and non-randomized trials generally reported high feasibility, acceptability, and positive participant appraisal.
Conclusions:
- Technology-assisted HIV testing interventions are a potentially important strategy for increasing HIV status awareness globally.
- Further research is needed to optimize social media integration, identify effective interventions for specific populations, and establish best practices for scaling up.
- Addressing challenges in intervention design and implementation is crucial for maximizing the impact of mHealth and technology-based solutions for HIV testing.
