Uses of information and communication technologies in HIV self-management: A systematic review of global literature

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been applied increasingly in supporting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment. The technological advances have extended to the field of HIV self-management. The objectives of this paper are to examine the design and use of ICTs in HIV self-management programs, to identify the knowledge gaps in existing practice, and to provide recommendations for future research and program development. A systematic review was conducted to search all English literature published prior to August 2016 in six electronic databases. The inclusion criteria also included either quantitative or qualitative assessments of HIV self-management programs that utilized at least one ICT platform in the program protocol. The search identified six studies conducted in Australia and the United States. The studies were diverse in sample size and enrollment criteria of study population. The major functionalities of ICT platforms (mobile phones and websites) included delivering information modules, sending medication reminders, supporting self-monitoring for medical adherence and risk behavior reduction, enhancing communication among participants, and providing easy access to HIV self-management information. The major challenges faced by self-management programs utilizing ICTs were lack of interaction and concern of privacy. The HIV self-management programs that employed ICT platforms were limited in number and geographic coverage. Most of the programs were also tested at an initial stage with small size samples and minimum technical innovation. The lack of explicit guiding theories and models on information behavior or technology use was observed in all studies. Use of ICTs in HIV self-management interventions is an emerging field. Future research would benefit from paying more attention to technical innovation and interactive features in applying ICT platform in self-management programs. The ICTs platforms, with increasing innovation in connecting people and places, can serve as a powerful tool to reduce the disparities in health care and health promotion. Future research is also needed to explore the feasibility of applying ICT platforms in self-management programs that serving populations from diverse socioeconomic background and in resource-poor settings.