Improving the evidence base for digital health interventions to increase contraception use.
Smith, Chris;
(2021)
Improving the evidence base for digital health interventions to increase contraception use.
BMJ health & care informatics, 28 (1).
e100346-e100346.
ISSN 2632-1009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjhci-2021-100346
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Contraception is a lifesaving and essential component of healthcare. Since COVID-19 disrupted routine health service delivery, increased use of digital health (or mHealth) has been required to reduce risks to patients and healthcare workers1 2 A recent systematic review was, however, unable to draw concrete conclusions on the overall effectiveness of mHealth interventions to increase contraception use in low-income and middle-income countries.3 A meta-analysis was not possible due to differences between study populations, interventions and outcomes. In the meantime, another trial reported no measurable effect of an mHealth intervention for female sex workers on unintended pregnancy in Kenya, adding to the mixed evidence.4 A better evidence base for digital health interventions to increase contraception use is required, but how can this be achieved?