Digital technology for HIV self-management in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of adolescents' preferences.

Abstract

Digital health technology interventions have shown promise in enhancing self-management practices among adolescents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (ALHIV). The objective of this scoping review was to identify the preferences of ALHIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) concerning the use of digital health technology for the self-management of their chronic illness. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (Plus with Full Text), Central (Cochrane Library), Epistemonikos, and Medline (EbscoHost), were searched. The review focused on English articles published before June 2023, that described a technology intervention for ALHIV specifically from LMIC. The screening and data extraction tool Covidence facilitated the scoping review process. Of the 413 studies identified, 10 were included in the review. Digital health technology interventions can offer enhanced support, education, and empowerment for ALHIV in LMICs. However, barriers like limited access, stigma, and privacy concerns must be addressed. Tailoring interventions to local contexts and integrating technology into healthcare systems can optimize their effectiveness.Review registration: OSF REGISTRIES (https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-eh3jz-v1).