Mobile-Based Interventions for Enhancing Health Literacy in Sexually Transmitted Infections

A Systematic Literature Review

Bibliographic Data

ID19543258
AuthorsTaleb Khodaveisi (0000-0003-3574-423X, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences), Hamid Bouraghi (0000-0003-3842-3554, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences), Soheila Saeedi (0000-0003-1315-794X, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences), Nadia Saniee (0000-0001-9424-1507, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences), Seyed Abedin Hoseini Ahangari (0000-0001-7958-4069, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume38
Issue1
Pages161-196
Publication date2026-01-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sexual Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1931-7611 • E-ISSN: 1931-762X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19317611.2025.2571627
OpenAlexW4415159730
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited100

Objectives Mobile health (mHealth) applications have shown promise in elevating sexual health literacy. This systematic review comprehensively examines the efficacy of mHealth interventions designed to promote sexual health literacy, focusing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Methods A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Scopus up to September 25, 2024, utilized MeSH terms and pertinent keywords. Predefined inclusion criteria focused on original research featuring mobile applications specifically designed to enhance STI-related health literacy, with multiple reviewers independently performing data extraction and analysis.Results Of 392 initially identified articles, 21 studies met inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (38%) were the predominant study design. HIV was the most frequently targeted infection, with applications primarily developed for iOS and Android platforms. Educational interventions (71.4%) were most common, typically delivered through self-directed use (90.4%). Studies originated primarily from the United States (47.4%), with growing global representation. Key barriers included technical issues (57%) and cultural relevance concerns (38%), while effective facilitators included user-centered design (43%) and robust app content (76%). Substantively, mHealth interventions demonstrated improved STI knowledge/awareness (52% of studies), increased HIV medication adherence (24%), improved testing/treatment timeliness (10%), and enhanced user engagement/satisfaction (10%), indicating tangible impacts on health literacy and behavior.Conclusions This review accentuates the critical role of mHealth interventions in improving sexual health literacy, particularly regarding STIs. The observed improvements in knowledge, medication adherence, and user engagement directly contribute to enhanced health outcomes, underscoring the value of these interventions. Resolving barriers like usability and privacy concerns is crucial for optimizing public health outcomes. Future research should emphasize user feedback and culturally sensitive content to boost mHealth program efficacy

Health literacy · Literacy · MEDLINE · Psychological intervention · Public health · Reproductive health · Systematic review · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · ICT in Developing Communities · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

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