Objective
The aim of this systematic review is to provide some evidence on the use of mobile
phone communication for improving ARV adherence during pregnancy, as well as to
investigate whether text messaging on mobile phones could improve follow up in
HIV exposed infants.
Methods
We did a systematic review and meta-analysis, using CENTRAL (Cochrane
Central Register of Controlled Trials), Scopus, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of
Science, and CINAHL to search for studies in English published between 5
may 2016 to May 2021 that assessed the effects of mobile phone in HIV infected pregnant women. We used MetaPro version 3.0 to compute the OR
2
and RR and their 95%CI. We performed random-effects model meta analysis
for estimating pooled outcomes.
Results
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled maternal postpartum retention was (OR 2.20, 95%CI: 1.55 to 3.13, I2
= 53.20%, P < 0.001).
In the same line, the pooled odds of ART uptake was (OR 1.5, 95%CI: 1.07 to
2.11, I2
=0%, P = 0.020) and we found statistically significant impact of mobile
phone on HIV testing at 6 weeks and above among HIV exposed children (OR
1.89, 95%CI: 1.04 to 3. 48, I2
= OR 1.89, 95%CI: 1.04 to 3. 48, I2
=88.04%, P =
0.032).
Conclusion
In comparison to our previous review, this updated review focuses on moderate
evidence for mobile phone communication in HIV-infected pregnant women. The
results showed that using a mobile phone improved maternal post-partum retention,
ART uptake, and infant HIV testing at 6 weeks and older.
Mobile phone communication for improving uptake of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected pregnant women: updated systematic review and meta-analysis
