Skip to main content

Table 2 Characteristics of selected studies

From: Influence of mhealth interventions on gender relations in developing countries: a systematic literature review

Author(s) Journal

[ Health area] MHealth intervention

Country

Study’s primary objective

Design

Sample

Findings on gender relations

(1) Akinfaderin-Agarau et al.[35]

Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS:

Nigeria

To determine reasons for significantly low uptake among young women

Single group, posttest design using mixed methods

726 users

Non-Transformative: Participation in mHealth intervention hindered by gender-based expectations of women, including fear of spousal distrust and invasions of privacy.

Users submitted questions via SMS and received accurate and confidential sexual health and HIV/AIDS information

African Journal of Reproductive Health

(2) Balasubramanian et al.[36]

Microenterprise: Illiterate and semi-literate women received daily mobile phone audio messages on business strategies for a goat-rearing enterprise, along with maternal and child health information, linked with reduced network call-rates

India

To examine effects of mobile phones as a tool for enterprise and learning on women’s social standing

Single group, posttest design using mixed methods

73 program participants

Transformative and Non-Transformative: Ownership of new technology raises status of women within household, but creates some tensions regarding use. In some cases, perpetuated male hierarchies and dependence.

Distance Education

(3) Chib et al.[37]

HIV/AIDS:

Uganda

To assess mobile participation rates and HIV/AIDS-related knowledge

Single group, posttest design using mobile quiz response data

2,363 mobile quiz takers

Non-Transformative: Two-fold higher response rates among men than women. Authors consider technology use reflected and further entrenched gender inequities.

Users enhanced HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness by answering SMS-based multiple choice quizzes with free HIV counseling and testing referrals and related prizes

Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives

(4) Corker[38]

Reproductive Health:

Congo

To determine hotline intervention’s reach and participation among men and women

Single group, posttest design using call data

20,036 calls

Transformative and Non-Transformative: New means of engaging men and potentially increasing partner communication, but reflected and reinforced existing power differentials and mobile divide.

Cases in Public Health Communication & Marketing

Couples used toll-free hotline to obtain confidential family planning information and referrals to family planning clinics and pharmacies

(5) Misraghosh et al.[40]

Microenterprise:

India

To examine effects of mobile retail business on women’s empowerment

Single group, pre-/posttest design using mixed methods

50 women mobile distributors

Transformative (Positive/Negative): Strengthened women’s earning and decision-making power. Also shifted men's role as predominate breadwinner, resulting in some tensions and abuse.

Women entrepreneurs sold and distributed mobile phone products to other women with health-added services and mobile phone literacy training

GSMA mWomen Programme

(6) L’Engle et al.[39]

Reproductive Health:

Tanzania

To evaluate mHealth intervention’s feasibility, reach, and effect on contraception use

Single group, posttest design using mobile queries and questionnaire

1,142 phone query users

Transformative:

Users opted-into an interactive and menu-based SMS portal that provided automated information about family planning methods.

Created new channel for male engagement and potential increased couple’s communication on family planning.

Contraception

(7) Odigie et al.[41]

Cancer:

Nigeria

To determine platform effectiveness to improve communication and patient follow-up rates

Single group, posttest design using structured in-person interviews

1,160 oncology patients

Transformative and Non-Transformative: New communication mode for women circumvents spousal dependence and permission. Yet, men make calls on behalf of women to sustain decision-making roles.

Patients received SMS cancer treatment reminders and were invited to utilize a call-hotline to talk to registered physicians/health providers about cancer-related health concerns and psycho-social support.

Psycho-Oncology