Published on in Vol 27 (2025)

Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/57363, first published .
Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology–Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review

Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology–Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review

Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology–Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review

Authors of this article:

Hao Huang1, 2 Author Orcid Image ;   MeiLian Xie3 Author Orcid Image ;   Zhen Yang2 Author Orcid Image ;   AiPing Wang2 Author Orcid Image

Review

1School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)

2First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China

3Capital Medical University, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing, China

*these authors contributed equally

Corresponding Author:

AiPing Wang, MSN

First Hospital of China Medical University

The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University

No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District

Shenyang, 110001

China

Phone: 86 1399889 0800

Email: apwang@cmu.edu.cn


Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global challenge, and with the rapid advancement of technology, there has been an increasing number of interventions aimed at improving HIV/AIDS cognition and self-management behaviors among patients. However, there is still a lack of detailed literature integrating relevant evidence.

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively review existing research on interventions using modern information methods to improve HIV/AIDS cognition and enhance self-management behaviors among patients. It systematically reports the theoretical frameworks and specific intervention strategies used in current research, providing a comprehensive overview of the development status of relevant studies. We aim to compile existing evidence through this scoping review to identify potential avenues for future research.

Methods: We followed the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for the synthesis and reporting of evidence. Relevant literature was searched using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. The time frame for inclusion was from 2018 to December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) interventions using modern information technology or new digital media, (2) studies focusing on improving HIV awareness or self-management behaviors among people living with HIV, (3) intervention studies or evaluations of intervention effects, and (4) studies published within the last five years. Two reviewers (HH and MX) independently assessed each study at both the title and abstract screening stage and the full-text review stage, resolving any disagreements through discussion.

Results: A total of 55 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Information Systems Research Framework are among the most commonly used theoretical frameworks. Modern information technology interventions are mainly constructed using smartphone apps, SMS text messaging, internet-based platforms, audiovisual materials, and digital health education platforms, with smartphone apps and SMS text messaging being the most widely used intervention media.

Conclusions: Modern information technology is becoming an important tool for health interventions among people living with HIV/AIDS. However, future research should focus on integrating theoretical framework guidance with intervention design, further exploring the diversity of intervention implementations, the applicability of different technological methods, their long-term effects, and how to more effectively combine traditional intervention strategies to maximize intervention outcomes.

J Med Internet Res 2025;27:e57363

doi:10.2196/57363

Keywords



Currently, HIV/AIDS remains a severe and intricate global challenge. According to the 2023 report from the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS [The path that ends AIDS: UNAIDS global AIDS update 2023. UNAIDS. 2023. URL: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2023/global-aids-update-2023 [accessed 2024-12-27] 1], there are currently 39 million people living with HIV worldwide, with 29.8 million undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). In 2022, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections, and 630,000 individuals succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. Thanks to collaborative efforts globally, the spread of HIV has slowed, and the annual death toll continues to decline [The path that ends AIDS: UNAIDS global AIDS update 2023. UNAIDS. 2023. URL: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2023/global-aids-update-2023 [accessed 2024-12-27] 1,UNAIDS global AIDS update 2022 reveals millions of lives are “in danger”. U.S. Embassy in Mozambique. URL: https://mz.usembassy.gov/unaids-in-danger-report-2022-reveals-millions-of-lives-are-at-risk/ [accessed 2023-08-05] 2]. Beyond the typical clinical symptoms of AIDS, patients often grapple with multidimensional challenges in their daily lives, including poor treatment adherence, exacerbated family conflicts, economic burdens due to high treatment costs, and mental health issues [Wanjala SW, Nyongesa MK, Mapenzi R, Luchters S, Abubakar A. A qualitative inquiry of experiences of HIV-related stigma and its effects among people living with HIV on treatment in rural Kilifi, Kenya. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1188446. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]3,Nyongesa MK, Nasambu C, Mapenzi R, Koot HM, Cuijpers P, Newton CRJC, et al. Psychosocial and mental health challenges faced by emerging adults living with HIV and support systems aiding their positive coping: a qualitative study from the Kenyan coast. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):76. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]4]. Research indicates that reinforcing self-management behaviors and enhancing disease awareness can lead to better treatment adherence, alleviate the burden of disease symptoms, and enable individuals to coexist more effectively with HIV [King E, Kinvig K, Steif J, Qiu AQ, Maan EJ, Albert AY, et al. Mobile text messaging to improve medication adherence and viral load in a vulnerable Canadian population living with human immunodeficiency virus: a repeated measures study. J Med Internet Res. 2017;19(6):e190. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]5,Moucheraud C, Stern AF, Ismail A, Nsubuga-Nyombi T, Ngonyani MM, Mvungi J, et al. Can self-management improve HIV treatment engagement, adherence, and retention? A mixed methods evaluation in Tanzania and Uganda. AIDS Behav. 2020;24(5):1486-1494. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]6]. Therefore, strengthening the self-management behaviors and disease awareness of people living with HIV becomes a crucial aspect of improving the quality of life for patients and reducing negative experiences associated with HIV.

Modern information technology rapidly and cost-effectively reduces the barriers to accessing disease-related information. It has been proven that leveraging modern technological means aids in expanding the dissemination of HIV prevention and treatment interventions [Young SD, Cumberland WG, Nianogo R, Menacho LA, Galea JT, Coates T. The HOPE social media intervention for global HIV prevention in Peru: a cluster randomised controlled trial. Lancet HIV. 2015;2(1):e27-e32. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]7]. Modern information technology, or new digital media, refers to user-controlled, shareable, and digital media [Guse K, Levine D, Martins S, Lira A, Gaarde J, Westmorland W, et al. Interventions using new digital media to improve adolescent sexual health: a systematic review. J Adolesc Health. 2012;51(6):535-543. [CrossRef] [Medline]8]. Widely used new digital media, such as SMS text messages, websites, apps, and social media platforms, have significantly improved information sharing and communication. These technologies enable rapid, inexpensive, highly replicable, and widely covered interventions. Digital media achieve greater anonymity, repeatability, time flexibility, and customer sensitivity, meeting diverse learning needs [Marsch LA, Grabinski MJ, Bickel WK, Desrosiers A, Guarino H, Muehlbach B, et al. Computer-assisted HIV prevention for youth with substance use disorders. Subst Use Misuse. 2011;46(1):46-56. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]9]. They break down restrictions related to time and geography, maximizing the impact of information dissemination.

This study will comprehensively review evidence from the last 5 years regarding the use of modern information technology in enhancing HIV disease awareness and self-management. It underscores the enormous potential of contemporary technology in elevating self-management and disease awareness within the HIV community, guiding future research and practice.


Study Design

This scoping review uses the latest framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute, encompassing the following stages: (1) formulation of research questions; (2) identification of relevant studies; (3) selection of studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results [Peters MDJ, Marnie C, Tricco AC, Pollock D, Munn Z, Alexander L, et al. Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews. JBI Evid Synth. 2020;18(10):2119-2126. [CrossRef] [Medline]10]. Reporting for this paper follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist, the preferred reporting item for scoping reviews [Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467-473. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]11]. All members of our research team have undergone systematic training in evidence-based research methodologies and are well-versed in conducting scoping reviews following established guidelines. Additionally, our team includes an expert in HIV research (MX), who has been available for consultation and reference throughout the study to ensure the quality and accuracy of our work. This scoping review has been registered on the Open Science Framework [Huang H, Yang Z, Xie M, Wang A. Information technology-assisted intervention for HIV cognitive enhancement and self-management: a scoping review. Open Science Framework. Dec 22, 2023. URL: https://osf.io/djg7t [accessed 2025-01-08] 12].

Formulating Research Questions

This study aims to summarize existing evidence regarding enhancing HIV disease awareness and self-management behaviors among people living with HIV through modern information technology.

Identifying Relevant Studies

We included studies that met the following criteria in this scoping review: (1) intervention involving modern information technology or new digital media, (2) research focusing on improving HIV disease awareness or self-management behaviors of people living with HIV, (3) intervention studies or studies evaluating intervention effects, and (4) studies published within the last five years. The exclusion criteria were (1) studies not reporting research outcomes, (2) gray literature, and (3) studies inaccessible for full-text retrieval.

We limited our literature search to studies published in 5 years to capture the most recent advancements in modern information technology interventions for improving disease awareness and self-management among people living with HIV/AIDS. This 5-year timeframe was chosen because the field is rapidly evolving, and recent studies are more likely to reflect current technologies and practices relevant to our research objectives [Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci. 2010;5:69. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]13].

Study Selection

English-language literature was retrieved from electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL. The literature search in this study focused on HIV, telemedicine, cognitive training, and self-management. For specific search strings, please refer to

Multimedia Appendix 1

Specific search strings.

DOCX File , 21 KBMultimedia Appendix 1. EndNote (Clarivate Analytics) software was used to manage the studies and eliminate duplicate publications. After removing duplicates, the literature underwent a title and abstract screening, followed by a full-text review to determine inclusion or exclusion. Both stages were performed independently by two reviewers (HH and MX), and no disagreements were reported.

To ensure consistency among reviewers, we randomly selected 25 titles and abstracts for an initial screening exercise. All reviewers independently screened these based on predefined inclusion criteria. Formal literature screening commenced once a 75% interrater agreement was achieved [Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: scoping reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z, editors. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Adelaide, Australia. JBI; 2020. 14]. Subsequently, HH and MX independently screened the remaining titles and abstracts using the criteria and conducted full-text reviews to determine inclusion or exclusion. In cases of disagreement between the two reviewers, a third reviewer was consulted to discuss and reach a consensus [Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: scoping reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z, editors. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Adelaide, Australia. JBI; 2020. 14]. Excluded studies are documented and reported, and the results and search process are presented in a flowchart following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (

Multimedia Appendix 2

PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 117 KBMultimedia Appendix 2) [Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467-473. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]11].

Data Extraction and Presentation

We conducted a comprehensive review of the full texts of studies meeting the inclusion criteria, focusing on how they enhanced disease awareness and self-management behaviors of patients with HIV through the application of theoretical frameworks and modern information technology interventions. Specifically, we extracted and reported on the theoretical frameworks and modern information technology used in each study.

Two researchers (HH and MX) independently extracted data and performed content analysis of the included studies. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion, with a third researcher (ZY) serving as an arbiter when necessary. Data were extracted and integrated using mind maps and Excel (Microsoft Corp) spreadsheets. The findings were then presented using a combination of text and tables.

We categorized and extracted the following information from each study: (1) basic study information, which includes authors, publication year, study design, sample size, and study location; (2) intervention methods, which includes details of the modern information technology interventions used in the studies; and (3) conceptual frameworks or models, which includes theoretical frameworks or models applied in the studies.

Collating, Summarizing, and Reporting Results

We reported the results of the included studies by focusing on the following points: (1) the theoretical frameworks or models used in the included literature, and (2) intervention methods based on modern information technology adapted in the included literature.


Study Selection

According to our inclusion criteria, the results of English database searches are as follows: 61 studies were retrieved from PubMed, 44 studies from Web of Science, 361 studies from Cochrane Library, 254 studies from Embase, and 6 studies from CINAHL. After removing duplicates, a total of 648 studies remained. After evaluating titles and abstracts, 101 English-language studies were retained, and after a thorough examination of the complete texts, 55 studies were finally included. The search results are presented as a PRISMA-ScR flowchart (Figure 1).

Figure 1. PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) flow diagram.

Characteristics of the Studies

Among the 55 studies finally included, the studies ranged from a minimum sample size of 21 participants to a maximum of 2125 participants. Of these, 33 studies were randomized controlled trials, 10 studies were feasibility studies, 5 studies were observational studies, 4 studies were evaluative qualitative studies, and 3 studies were mixed methods studies. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States (n=28), followed by Kenya (n=4). Other countries include China (n=3), South Africa (n=3), Nigeria (n=3), Uganda (n=2), Thailand (n=2), and others. The general characteristics of the study are presented in

Multimedia Appendix 3

The general information of included literature.

XLSX File (Microsoft Excel File), 23 KBMultimedia Appendix 3 [Shim MS, Kim S, Choi M, Choi JY, Park CG, Kim GS. Developing an app-based self-management program for people living with HIV: a randomized controlled pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):19401. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]15-Downing MJ, Wiatrek SE, Zahn RJ, Mansergh G, Olansky E, Gelaude D, et al. Video selection and assessment for an app-based HIV prevention messaging intervention: formative research. Mhealth. 2023;9:2. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]69].

Related Theoretical Frameworks

Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Theory

Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) theory is the most commonly used theoretical framework for designing interventions, with 7 studies basing their interventions on this theory. The IMB theory posits that information, motivation, and behavioral skills interact, with individuals acquiring information to understand the necessity of healthy behavior [Fisher JD, Fisher WA. Changing AIDS-risk behavior. Psychol Bull. 1992;111(3):455-474. [CrossRef] [Medline]70]. This, in turn, motivates them to desire and guide the adoption of such behavior. Ultimately, behavioral skills are used to transform motivation into concrete actions.

Five studies [Shim MS, Kim S, Choi M, Choi JY, Park CG, Kim GS. Developing an app-based self-management program for people living with HIV: a randomized controlled pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):19401. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]15-Mustanski B, Parsons JT, Sullivan PS, Madkins K, Rosenberg E, Swann G. Biomedical and behavioral outcomes of keep it up!: an eHealth HIV prevention program RCT. Am J Prev Med. 2018;55(2):151-158. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]19] used mobile phones as a platform, operationalizing the IMB model to enhance HIV self-management knowledge and beliefs. They developed apps or tailored SMS text messages aimed at improving HIV self-management behaviors and increasing HIV disease awareness among patients with HIV. Additionally, two studies [Whiteley LB, Brown LK, Curtis V, Ryoo HJ, Beausoleil N. Publicly available internet content as a HIV/STI prevention intervention for urban youth. J Prim Prev. 2018;39(4):361-370. [CrossRef] [Medline]20,Navarra AMD, Rosenberg MG, Gormley M, Bakken S, Fletcher J, Whittemore R, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of the adherence connection counseling, education, and support (ACCESS) proof of concept: a peer-led, mobile health (mHealth) Cognitive Behavioral Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Intervention for HIV-Infected (HIV+) Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA). AIDS Behav. 2023;27(6):1807-1823. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]21] facilitated changes in HIV awareness and self-management behaviors by stimulating motivation, providing relevant information, and enhancing behavioral skills among intervention participants. These changes were implemented through websites and videoconferences.

Social Cognitive Theory

Five studies used the Social Cognitive Theory to develop their interventions. Social Cognitive Theory [Bandura A, Freeman WH, Lightsey R. Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York City, NY. Springer; 1999. 71] emphasizes the importance of social learning, suggesting that individuals can acquire new knowledge and skills by observing others and adjusting and internalizing this learning through cognitive regulation and self-efficacy. In line with this theory, existing studies propose methods to enhance self-efficacy, including peer modeling and social persuasion, and build interventions based on these principles. Weitzman et al [Weitzman PF, Zhou Y, Kogelman L, Mack S, Sharir JY, Vicente SR, et al. A web-based HIV/STD prevention intervention for divorced or separated older women. Gerontologist. 2020;60(6):1159-1168. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]22] and Côté et al [Côté J, Rouleau G, Ramirez-Garcia MP, Auger P, Thomas R, Leblanc J. Effectiveness of a web-based intervention to support medication adherence among people living with HIV: web-based randomized controlled trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2020;6(2):e17733. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]23] developed web-based interventions to improve self-management skills. Kalichman et al [Kalichman SC, Cherry C, Kalichman MO, Eaton LA, Kohler JJ, Montero C, et al. Mobile health intervention to reduce HIV transmission: a randomized trial of behaviorally enhanced HIV treatment as prevention (B-TasP). J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2018;78(1):34-42. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]24] and Tran et al [Tran BX, Bui TM, Do AL, Boyer L, Auquier P, Nguyen LH, et al. Efficacy of a mobile phone-based intervention on health behaviors and HIV/AIDS treatment management: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e43432. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]25] focused on individual differences among intervention recipients, providing personalized interventions based on the Social Cognitive Theory to enhance medication adherence and self-management skills. Kinuthia et al [Kinuthia J, Ronen K, Unger JA, Jiang W, Matemo D, Perrier T, et al. SMS messaging to improve retention and viral suppression in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs in Kenya: a 3-arm randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med. 2021;18(5):e1003650. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]26], using the Social Cognitive Theory, crafted intervention messages, integrated treatment adherence with other priorities, and delivered them as SMS text messages to intervention recipients.

Health Belief Model

Three studies developed their interventions based on the Health Belief Model. Despite sharing the same name, the Health Belief Model discussed in this review encompasses studies that different scholars have proposed. First, Tran et al [Tran BX, Bui TM, Do AL, Boyer L, Auquier P, Nguyen LH, et al. Efficacy of a mobile phone-based intervention on health behaviors and HIV/AIDS treatment management: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e43432. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]25] applied the Health Belief Model proposed by Becker [Becker MH. The health belief model and sick role behavior. Health Educ Monogr. 1974;2(4):409-419. [CrossRef]72] in his study. Throughout the research period and subsequent meetings, Tran et al [Tran BX, Bui TM, Do AL, Boyer L, Auquier P, Nguyen LH, et al. Efficacy of a mobile phone-based intervention on health behaviors and HIV/AIDS treatment management: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e43432. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]25] measured perceived severity and self-efficacy for comparison and sent personalized messages as cues for action. The theory-driven design helped in understanding the connections between patient behaviors and identifying clustered behaviors such as alcohol consumption and unemployment. Second, Kinuthia et al [Kinuthia J, Ronen K, Unger JA, Jiang W, Matemo D, Perrier T, et al. SMS messaging to improve retention and viral suppression in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs in Kenya: a 3-arm randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med. 2021;18(5):e1003650. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]26] applied the Health Belief Model modified by Janz and Becker [Janz NK, Becker MH. The health belief model: a decade later. Health Educ Q. 1984;11(1):1-47. [CrossRef] [Medline]73]. Kinuthia used this model to compose messages providing care support to pregnant and postpartum women infected with HIV. Additionally, the Health Belief Model applied by Ditre et al [Ditre JW, LaRowe LR, Vanable PA, de Vita MJ, Zvolensky MJ. Computer-based personalized feedback intervention for cigarette smoking and prescription analgesic misuse among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Behav Res Ther. 2019;115:83-89. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]27] was proposed by Champion and Skinner [Champion VL, Skinner CS. The health belief model. Health Behav Health Educ Theory Res Pract. 2008;4:45-65. [FREE Full text]74]. Based on this model, the scholars provided computer-generated personalized feedback to modify smoking and opioid misuse behaviors in people living with HIV.

Theory of Planned Behavior

Two studies used the Theory of Planned Behavior to construct their interventions. The Theory of Planned Behavior [Ajzen I. The theory of planned behavior. Organ Behav Hum Decis Process. 1991;50(2):179-211. [CrossRef]75] posits that one can effectively predict whether an individual will adopt a specific behavior by measuring and analyzing behavioral intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and actual behavior. Ditre et al [Ditre JW, LaRowe LR, Vanable PA, de Vita MJ, Zvolensky MJ. Computer-based personalized feedback intervention for cigarette smoking and prescription analgesic misuse among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Behav Res Ther. 2019;115:83-89. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]27] integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior along with other theories to construct a comprehensive intervention, predicting and improving smoking and opioid misuse behaviors in patients with HIV. Jiao et al [Jiao K, Wang C, Liao M, Ma J, Kang D, Tang W, et al. A differentiated digital intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among men who have sex with men living with HIV in China: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med. 2022;20(1):341. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]28] used this theory to design an intervention aimed at improving ART adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Information Systems Research Framework

Two studies used the Information Systems Research Framework (ISR) as their theoretical foundation. The ISR [Hevner AR. A three cycle view of design science research. Scand J Inf Syst. 2007;19(2):4. [FREE Full text]76] advocates for iterative cycles in the design and evaluation process to provide a systematic scientific design approach. Beauchemin et al [Beauchemin M, Gradilla M, Baik D, Cho H, Schnall R. A multi-step usability evaluation of a self-management app to support medication adherence in persons living with HIV. Int J Med Inform. 2019;122:37-44. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]29] developed and evaluated the effectiveness of app intervention for improving self-management behaviors in people living with HIV based on the ISR. Similarly, Schnall et al [Schnall R, Sanabria G, Jia H, Cho H, Bushover B, Reynolds NR, et al. Efficacy of an mHealth self-management intervention for persons living with HIV: the wiseApp randomized clinical trial. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2023;30(3):418-426. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]30] used ISR to create a mobile app to enhance ART adherence among people living with HIV.

Other Theories

In addition to the 5 theories mentioned above, a few have been used by researchers in intervention studies. Ezegbe et al [Ezegbe B, Eseadi C, Ede MO, Igbo JN, Aneke A, Mezieobi D, et al. Efficacy of rational emotive digital storytelling intervention on knowledge and risk perception of HIV/AIDS among schoolchildren in Nigeria. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(47):e12910. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]31], based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Theory [Ogbuanya TC, Eseadi C, Orji CT, Anyanwu JI, Ede MO, Bakare J. Effect of rational emotive behavior therapy on negative career thoughts of students in technical colleges in Nigeria. Psychol Rep. 2018;121(2):356-374. [CrossRef] [Medline]77], used audiovisual interventions to enhance HIV disease awareness among high school students. Nestadt et al [Nestadt DF, Saisaengjan C, McKay MM, Bunupuradah T, Pardo G, Lakhonpon S, et al. CHAMP+ Thailand: pilot randomized control trial of a family-based psychosocial intervention for perinatally HIV-infected early adolescents. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2019;33(5):227-236. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32], based on Social Action Theory [Ewart CK. Social action theory for a public health psychology. Am Psychol. 1991;46(9):931-946. [CrossRef] [Medline]78], developed a cartoon-based program for comprehensive psychosocial responses and treatment adherence intervention for adolescents who are HIV positive. Schnall et al [Schnall R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Batey DS, Bruce J, Hidalgo MA, et al. Efficacy of MyPEEPS mobile, an HIV prevention intervention using mobile technology, on reducing sexual risk among same-sex attracted adolescent males: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231853. [CrossRef] [Medline]33], using Social Learning Theory [Bandura A, Walters RH. Social Learning Theory. New York, NY. General Learning Press; 1977. 79], developed a mobile app to examine its effectiveness in reducing sexual risk behaviors among young men attracted to the same sex. Cordova et al [Cordova D, Munoz-Velazquez J, Lua FM, Fessler K, Warner S, Delva J, et al. Pilot study of a multilevel mobile health app for substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV among youth: randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020;8(3):e16251. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34] conducted a narrative intervention based on the Ecodevelopmental and Empowerment Framework [Zimmerman MA, Israel BA, Schulz A, Checkoway B. Further explorations in empowerment theory: an empirical analysis of psychological empowerment. Am J Commun Psychol. 1992;20(6):707-727. [CrossRef]80,Szapocznik J, Coatsworth JD. An Ecodevelopmental Framework for Organizing the Influences on Drug Abuse: A Developmental Model of Risk and Protection. Washington, DC. American Psychological Association; 1999. 81], aiming to change risky drug use and behaviors among adolescents. Middleton et al [Middleton M, Somerset S, Evans C, Blake H. Test@Work texts: mobile phone messaging to increase awareness of HIV and HIV testing in UK construction employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(21):7819. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35] and Carroll et al [Carroll JK, Tobin JN, Luque A, Farah S, Sanders M, Cassells A, et al. "Get Ready and Empowered About Treatment" (GREAT) study: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of activation in persons living with HIV. J Gen Intern Med. 2019;34(9):1782-1789. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]36], guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior Model [Ogden J. Celebrating variability and a call to limit systematisation: the example of the behaviour change technique taxonomy and the behaviour change wheel. Health Psychol Rev. 2016;10(3):245-250. [CrossRef] [Medline]82], developed SMS text messages to increase intervention recipients’ knowledge of HIV prevention. Côté et al [Côté J, Rouleau G, Ramirez-Garcia MP, Auger P, Thomas R, Leblanc J. Effectiveness of a web-based intervention to support medication adherence among people living with HIV: web-based randomized controlled trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2020;6(2):e17733. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]23] implemented a web-based intervention guided by the McGill Nursing Model [Gottlieb L, Rowat K. The McGill model of nursing: a practice-derived model. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 1987;9(4):51-61. [CrossRef] [Medline]83]. Sun et al [Sun CJ, Anderson KM, Kuhn T, Mayer L, Klein CH. A sexual health promotion app for transgender women (Trans Women Connected): development and usability study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020;8(5):e15888. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]37], grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Theory [Beck AT. Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Westminster, London. Penguin; 1979. 84], developed an app and tested its effectiveness in promoting HIV prevention among transgender women. Weitzman et al [Weitzman PF, Zhou Y, Kogelman L, Mack S, Sharir JY, Vicente SR, et al. A web-based HIV/STD prevention intervention for divorced or separated older women. Gerontologist. 2020;60(6):1159-1168. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]22] designed web-based interventions based on the Modified AIDS Risk Reduction Model [Miller S, Exner TM, Williams SP, Ehrhardt AA. A gender-specific intervention for at-risk women in the USA. AIDS Care. 2000;12(5):603-612. [CrossRef] [Medline]85], examining their effectiveness for the target population. Chenneville et al [Chenneville T, Drake H, Gabbidon K, Rodriguez C, Hightow-Weidman L. Bijou: engaging young MSM in HIV care using a mobile health strategy. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2021;20:23259582211030805. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38], using the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning [Mayer RE. The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. Cambridge, United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press; 2005. 86] and Dual Coding Theory [Paivio A. Mental Representations: A Dual Coding Approach. Oxford, United Kingdom. Oxford University Press; 1990. 87], designed modules to enhance health literacy in young MSM regarding HIV retention care. Cordoba et al [Cordoba E, Idnay B, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, et al. Examining the information systems success (ISS) of a mobile sexual health app (MyPEEPS Mobile) from the perspective of very young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Int J Med Inform. 2021;153:104529. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]39], guided by the Information System Success [Petter S, DeLone W, McLean E. Measuring information systems success: models, dimensions, measures, and interrelationships. Eur J Inf Syst. 2017;17(3):236-263. [CrossRef]88] framework, evaluated participants’ experiences and satisfaction with a self-made app. In the psychological education segment of a comprehensive intervention, Ditre et al [Ditre JW, LaRowe LR, Vanable PA, de Vita MJ, Zvolensky MJ. Computer-based personalized feedback intervention for cigarette smoking and prescription analgesic misuse among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Behav Res Ther. 2019;115:83-89. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]27] primarily used the Transtheoretical Model [Jo P. The transtheoretical model and stages of change. In: Health Behavior and Health Education: Theory, Research, and Practice. San Francisco, CA. Jossey-Bass/Wiley; 2008. 89] as guidance. Aladin et al [Aladin B, Thompson M, Addison D, Havens J, McGowan J, Nash D, et al. The YGetIt? Program: a mobile application, PEEP, and digital comic intervention to improve HIV care outcomes for young adults. Health Promot Pract. 2023;24(4):658-668. [CrossRef] [Medline]40], based on the Integrated, Design, Assess, and Share [Mummah SA, Robinson TN, King AC, Gardner CD, Sutton S. IDEAS (Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share): a framework and toolkit of strategies for the development of more effective digital interventions to change health behavior. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(12):e317. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]90] theoretical framework, combined behavioral theories with design thinking and developed a mobile app as an intervention. Tran et al [Tran BX, Bui TM, Do AL, Boyer L, Auquier P, Nguyen LH, et al. Efficacy of a mobile phone-based intervention on health behaviors and HIV/AIDS treatment management: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e43432. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]25], based on the Integrated Theory of Behavior Change [Ryan P. Integrated theory of health behavior change: background and intervention development. Clin Nurse Spec. 2009;23(3):161-70; quiz 171. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]91], developed a smartphone app to promote treatment adherence and self-efficacy among people living with HIV. To better illustrate the findings of this study, we have summarized the frequency of theoretical frameworks applied in the included studies. The results are visually represented in Table 1, providing a clear overview of the theoretical models and their respective utilization.

Table 1. Frequency of theoretical frameworks used in the included studies.
Theoretical frameworkFrequency, n
Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Theory7
Social Cognitive Theory5
Health Belief Model3
Theory of Planned Behavior2
Information Systems Research Framework2
Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior Model2
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Theory1
Social Action Theory1
Social Learning Theory1
Ecodevelopmental and Empowerment Framework1
McGill Nursing Model1
Cognitive Behavioral Theory1
The Modified AIDS Risk Reduction Model1
Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning1
Dual Coding Theory1
Information System Success1
Transtheoretical Model1
Integrated, Design, Assess, and Share1
Integrated Theory of Behavior Change1

Intervention Methods Based on Modern Information Technology

Smartphone Apps

Smartphones have become widely popular globally with their high portability and rich features. In this review, it was found that interventions based on smartphone apps are the most favored among researchers. Among the included studies, 25 used smartphone apps as an intervention method.

This category’s most popular intervention method involves providing self-management plans or tools to the intervention participants through smartphone apps, facilitating improvements in self-management behaviors. This is commonly observed in efforts to enhance compliance with medical advice, improve awareness of HIV, and ameliorate HIV-related symptoms [Shim MS, Kim S, Choi M, Choi JY, Park CG, Kim GS. Developing an app-based self-management program for people living with HIV: a randomized controlled pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):19401. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]15,Beauchemin M, Gradilla M, Baik D, Cho H, Schnall R. A multi-step usability evaluation of a self-management app to support medication adherence in persons living with HIV. Int J Med Inform. 2019;122:37-44. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]29,Carroll JK, Tobin JN, Luque A, Farah S, Sanders M, Cassells A, et al. "Get Ready and Empowered About Treatment" (GREAT) study: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of activation in persons living with HIV. J Gen Intern Med. 2019;34(9):1782-1789. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Safdari R, SeyedAlinaghi S, Mohammadzadeh N, Noori T, Rahmati P, Qaderi K, et al. Developing Aysoo: a mobile-based self-management application for people living with HIV. HIV AIDS Rev. 2021;21(1):24-30. [CrossRef]41-Barroso J, Madisetti M, Mueller M. A feasibility study to develop and test a cognitive behavioral stress management mobile health application for HIV-related fatigue. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2020;59(2):242-253. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Cho H, Porras T, Baik D, Beauchemin M, Schnall R. Understanding the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors influencing the use of a mobile-based HIV management app: a real-world usability evaluation. Int J Med Inform. Sep 2018;117:88-95. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]67,Aomori M, Matsumoto C, Takebayashi S, Matsuyama N, Uto Y, Tanaka M, et al. Effects of a smartphone app-based diet and physical activity program for men living with HIV who have dyslipidemia: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Jpn J Nurs Sci. Jul 2023;20(3):e12535. [CrossRef] [Medline]68]. Two studies integrated phone and SMS text message modules to build apps to enhance treatment adherence [Morano JP, Clauson K, Zhou Z, Escobar-Viera CG, Lieb S, Chen IK, et al. Attitudes, beliefs, and willingness toward the use of mHealth tools for medication adherence in the florida mHealth adherence project for people living with HIV (FL-mAPP): pilot questionnaire study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2019;7(7):e12900. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]45,Twimukye A, Naggirinya AB, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Kasirye R, Kiragga A, Castelnuovo B, et al. Acceptability of a mobile phone support tool (Call for Life Uganda) for promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young adults in a randomized controlled trial: exploratory qualitative study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2021;9(6):e17418. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. Communication-oriented mobile apps, such as WhatsApp (Meta), WeChat (Tencent), and Line (LY Corporation), were used to create group discussions for implementing interventions [Fan X, Ning K, Liu C, Zhong H, Lau JTF, Hao C, et al. Uptake of an app-based case management service for HIV-positive men who have sex with men in China: process evaluation study. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e40176. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]17,Bergam S, Sibaya T, Ndlela N, Kuzwayo M, Fomo M, Goldstein MH, et al. "I am not shy anymore": a qualitative study of the role of an interactive mHealth intervention on sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of South African adolescents with perinatal HIV. Reprod Health. 2022;19(1):217. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]47,Anand T, Nitpolprasert C, Jantarapakde J, Meksena R, Phomthong S, Phoseeta P, et al. Implementation and impact of a technology-based HIV risk-reduction intervention among Thai men who have sex with men using "Vialogues": a randomized controlled trial. AIDS Care. 2020;32(3):394-405. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]48]. Finally, one study used the entertainment features of smartphones to develop an iPhone platform game to enhance the participant’s compliance [Whiteley L, Brown LK, Mena L, Craker L, Arnold T. Enhancing health among youth living with HIV using an iPhone game. AIDS Care. 2018;30(sup4):21-33. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]49].

Additionally, some studies have developed apps for targeted populations to implement interventions. For HIV testing behavior, sexual education, and treatment adherence among gay men, four studies have collectively developed three apps for interventions [Schnall R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Batey DS, Bruce J, Hidalgo MA, et al. Efficacy of MyPEEPS mobile, an HIV prevention intervention using mobile technology, on reducing sexual risk among same-sex attracted adolescent males: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231853. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Cordoba E, Idnay B, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, et al. Examining the information systems success (ISS) of a mobile sexual health app (MyPEEPS Mobile) from the perspective of very young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Int J Med Inform. 2021;153:104529. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig KE, Egger JR, Vecchio A, Platt A. Epic allies: a gamified mobile app to improve engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral adherence among young men who have sex with men. AIDS Behav. 2021;25(8):2599-2617. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]50,Horvath KJ, Lammert S, Danh T, Mitchell JW. The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of mobile application to increase repeat HIV testing among sexual minority men. AIDS Behav. 2020;24(6):1835-1850. [CrossRef] [Medline]51]. Two studies have developed apps targeting vulnerable adolescent groups, aiming to improve self-management behaviors and prevent disengagement from care [Cordova D, Munoz-Velazquez J, Lua FM, Fessler K, Warner S, Delva J, et al. Pilot study of a multilevel mobile health app for substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV among youth: randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020;8(3):e16251. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Aladin B, Thompson M, Addison D, Havens J, McGowan J, Nash D, et al. The YGetIt? Program: a mobile application, PEEP, and digital comic intervention to improve HIV care outcomes for young adults. Health Promot Pract. 2023;24(4):658-668. [CrossRef] [Medline]40]. In addressing health, one study developed an app to promote HIV prevention to meet the needs of transgender women [Sun CJ, Anderson KM, Kuhn T, Mayer L, Klein CH. A sexual health promotion app for transgender women (Trans Women Connected): development and usability study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020;8(5):e15888. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]37].

SMS Text Message

Similar to interventions based on smartphone apps, using the SMS text message functionality of mobile phones for direct interventions has gained favor among many researchers. Sending SMS text messages to improve treatment adherence is the simplest and most direct method. Three studies have systematically sent timed or instant messages to intervention participants, covering medication reminders, peer education, and web-based group discussions, to enhance ART adherence among people living with HIV [Aunon FM, Wanje G, Richardson BA, Masese L, Odeny TA, Kinuthia J, et al. Randomized controlled trial of a theory-informed mHealth intervention to support ART adherence and viral suppression among women with HIV in Mombasa, Kenya: preliminary efficacy and participant-level feasibility and acceptability. BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):837. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]16,Jiao K, Wang C, Liao M, Ma J, Kang D, Tang W, et al. A differentiated digital intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among men who have sex with men living with HIV in China: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med. 2022;20(1):341. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]28,Mao L, Buchanan A, Wong HTH, Persson A. Beyond mere pill taking: SMS reminders for HIV treatment adherence delivered to mobile phones of clients in a community support network in Australia. Health Soc Care Community. 2018;26(4):486-494. [CrossRef] [Medline]52].

The included literature also takes into account specific populations. For instance, communication strategies in SMS text message content are tailored based on local cultural backgrounds for implementing prevention programs targeting 18- to 22-year-olds [Ybarra ML, Agaba E, Nyemara N. A pilot RCT evaluating InThistoGether, an mHealth HIV prevention program for Ugandan youth. AIDS Behav. 2021;25(10):3437-3448. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]53]. A combination of regular educational sessions and weekly health education SMS text messages are organized to enhance HIV prevention behaviors and reduce risky behaviors in African American youth [Mayo-Wilson LJ, Coleman J, Timbo F, Latkin C, Brown ERT, Butler AI, et al. Acceptability of a feasibility randomized clinical trial of a microenterprise intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and HIV preventive practices (EMERGE) in young adults: a mixed methods assessment. BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):1846. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]54]. Regularly sending SMS text messages for infant health education and promoting treatment adherence is implemented to provide care support for pregnant women and postpartum women living with HIV [Kinuthia J, Ronen K, Unger JA, Jiang W, Matemo D, Perrier T, et al. SMS messaging to improve retention and viral suppression in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs in Kenya: a 3-arm randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med. 2021;18(5):e1003650. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]26]. Planned SMS text messaging campaigns are carried out to raise HIV awareness among construction workers and encourage HIV testing [Middleton M, Somerset S, Evans C, Blake H. Test@Work texts: mobile phone messaging to increase awareness of HIV and HIV testing in UK construction employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(21):7819. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].

Web-Based and Digital Health Education Platforms

In internet-based interventions, most researchers choose to implement intervention programs by constructing websites. Building websites allows for the rapid dissemination of health education. Three studies used websites to create knowledge repositories for providing safety education. These websites comprehensively covered various topics, offering comprehensive and personalized health education to intervention participants through web-based interactions, sexual health information delivery, and modularized intervention methods. This approach aimed to promote HIV prevention and increase awareness of sexual health [Ivanova O, Wambua S, Mwaisaka J, Bossier T, Thiongo M, Michielsen K, et al. Evaluation of the ELIMIKA pilot project: improving ART adherence among HIV positive youth using an eHealth intervention in Mombasa, Kenya. Afr J Reprod Health. 2019;23(1):100-110. [CrossRef] [Medline]55-Nelson KM, Perry NS, Stout CD, Dunsiger SI, Carey MP. The young men and media study: a pilot randomized controlled trial of a community-informed, online HIV prevention intervention for 14-17-year-old sexual minority males. AIDS Behav. 2022;26(2):569-583. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]57]. Using website platforms, two studies relied on teams with medical backgrounds to provide diverse learning methods. They combined social support and emphasized personalized web-based services to facilitate the effective transmission of health information [Weitzman PF, Zhou Y, Kogelman L, Mack S, Sharir JY, Vicente SR, et al. A web-based HIV/STD prevention intervention for divorced or separated older women. Gerontologist. 2020;60(6):1159-1168. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]22,Visser M, Kotze M, van Rensburg MJ. An mHealth HIV prevention programme for youth: lessons learned from the iloveLife.mobi programme in South Africa. AIDS Care. 2020;32(sup2):148-154. [CrossRef] [Medline]58]. Interventions providing counseling services through remote videoconferences typically use internet platforms to offer web-based video meetings to intervention participants. This involves hosting regular videoconferences and encouraging participant involvement through email, phone calls, and other means to enhance medical adherence and disease awareness among people living with HIV [Navarra AMD, Rosenberg MG, Gormley M, Bakken S, Fletcher J, Whittemore R, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of the adherence connection counseling, education, and support (ACCESS) proof of concept: a peer-led, mobile health (mHealth) Cognitive Behavioral Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Intervention for HIV-Infected (HIV+) Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA). AIDS Behav. 2023;27(6):1807-1823. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]21,Côté J, Rouleau G, Ramirez-Garcia MP, Auger P, Thomas R, Leblanc J. Effectiveness of a web-based intervention to support medication adherence among people living with HIV: web-based randomized controlled trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2020;6(2):e17733. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]23,Periasamy M, Mohankumar V, Shanmugam V, Selvakumar M, Pandian SM, Sridharan L. Redefining venereology practice in Tamil Nadu, South India—Nakshatra health—a networking model. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2023;44(1):56-63. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]59].

Furthermore, there are different forms of internet-based intervention programs. For example, one study created private discussion groups on social media platforms to enhance HIV-related knowledge and treatment literacy, thereby promoting the continuity of HIV care [Dulli L, Ridgeway K, Packer C, Murray KR, Mumuni T, Plourde KF, et al. A social media-based support group for youth living with HIV in Nigeria (SMART Connections): randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2020;22(6):e18343. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]60]. Other studies constructed internet-based electronic health education programs to strengthen health literacy among people living with HIV in HIV care through digital content [Chenneville T, Drake H, Gabbidon K, Rodriguez C, Hightow-Weidman L. Bijou: engaging young MSM in HIV care using a mobile health strategy. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2021;20:23259582211030805. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38], developed intervention programs using publicly available internet resources [Whiteley LB, Brown LK, Curtis V, Ryoo HJ, Beausoleil N. Publicly available internet content as a HIV/STI prevention intervention for urban youth. J Prim Prev. 2018;39(4):361-370. [CrossRef] [Medline]20], and constructed HIV prevention interventions through video blogs that feature storytelling and digital gaming [Hill MJ, Coker S. Novel use of video logs to deliver educational interventions to Black women for disease prevention. West J Emerg Med. 2022;23(2):211-221. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]61].

Finally, a minority of studies have implemented interventions by constructing digital health education platforms. These studies use computer-based personalized approaches, providing tailored health information and training videos through digital platforms to enhance treatment adherence and HIV-related knowledge and improve health care behaviors among intervention participants [Ditre JW, LaRowe LR, Vanable PA, de Vita MJ, Zvolensky MJ. Computer-based personalized feedback intervention for cigarette smoking and prescription analgesic misuse among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Behav Res Ther. 2019;115:83-89. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]27,Kurth AE, Sidle JE, Chhun N, Lizcano JA, Macharia SM, Garcia MM, et al. Computer-based counseling program (CARE+ Kenya) to promote prevention and HIV health for people living with HIV/AIDS: a randomized controlled trial. AIDS Educ Prev. 2019;31(5):395-406. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]62,Holst C, Stelzle D, Diep LM, Sukums F, Ngowi B, Noll J, et al. Improving health knowledge through provision of free digital health education to rural communities in Iringa, Tanzania: nonrandomized intervention study. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24(7):e37666. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]63].

Performing and Multimedia Interventions

The commonality of audio and video interventions is the use of virtualized digital content to create various intervention plans tailored to different populations and needs. These interventions are delivered in audio and video, emphasizing the dissemination of disease-related knowledge and fostering connections between individuals and communities. Ultimately, they aim to enhance the understanding of intervention participants, boost self-efficacy among people living with HIV, and improve preventive behaviors.

For the adolescent population, considering their capacity for acceptance and understanding, researchers have developed a series of cartoon tutorials to strengthen parent-child communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Participants pair with caregivers to attend the courses, enhancing internal family connections through learning and discussions [Nestadt DF, Saisaengjan C, McKay MM, Bunupuradah T, Pardo G, Lakhonpon S, et al. CHAMP+ Thailand: pilot randomized control trial of a family-based psychosocial intervention for perinatally HIV-infected early adolescents. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2019;33(5):227-236. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32]. For children, researchers have created captivating characters and carefully curated story content. With the assistance of qualified therapists, they deliver digital interventions to children using audio and video formats, achieving intervention goals while providing entertainment [Dike IC, Ebizie EN, Njoku OC, Oraelosi CA, Egbe CI, Nnamani AP, et al. Improving knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS among English language speaking children in rural areas through educational digital storytelling. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(50):e28058. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]64].

For specific populations, such as the gay and bisexual community, researchers have developed popular web series or short videos with a theme focused on gay, bisexual, and other MSM individuals. These videos capture the curiosity of the target audience while promoting HIV and other sexually transmitted infection testing behaviors [Tan RKJ, Koh WL, Le D, Banerjee S, Chio MT, Chan RKW, et al. Effect of a popular web drama video series on HIV and other sexually transmitted infection testing among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Singapore: community-based, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24(5):e31401. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]65,Tang W, Mao J, Liu C, Mollan K, Zhang Y, Tang S, et al. Reimagining health communication: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial of crowdsourced intervention in China. Sex Transm Dis. 2019;46(3):172-178. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]66,Downing MJ, Wiatrek SE, Zahn RJ, Mansergh G, Olansky E, Gelaude D, et al. Video selection and assessment for an app-based HIV prevention messaging intervention: formative research. Mhealth. 2023;9:2. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]69]. Finally, some studies combine various communication channels, such as digital games, street interviews, and therapist-guided group psychological discussions, to enhance the effectiveness of performing multimedia interventions, providing participants with knowledge about preventing HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections [Madkins K, Moskowitz DA, Moran K, Dellucci TV, Mustanski B. Measuring acceptability and engagement of the keep it up! internet-based HIV prevention randomized controlled trial for young men who have sex with men. AIDS Educ Prev. 2019;31(4):287-305. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]18,Mustanski B, Parsons JT, Sullivan PS, Madkins K, Rosenberg E, Swann G. Biomedical and behavioral outcomes of keep it up!: an eHealth HIV prevention program RCT. Am J Prev Med. 2018;55(2):151-158. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]19,Ezegbe B, Eseadi C, Ede MO, Igbo JN, Aneke A, Mezieobi D, et al. Efficacy of rational emotive digital storytelling intervention on knowledge and risk perception of HIV/AIDS among schoolchildren in Nigeria. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(47):e12910. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]31]. We have visualized the interventions included in the studies through Figure 2 to present the findings of this section more intuitively.

Figure 2. Visualization of interventions included in the studies by type. PFI: personalized feedback intervention.

Principal Findings

This scoping review reveals that most of the included studies have used one or more theoretical frameworks in the development of their interventions. Currently, the application of modern information technology primarily involves intervention construction, development of smartphone apps, feasibility studies, and analysis to intervene with the relevant population, yielding generally positive feedback. Thanks to the rapid advancement of modern technology, there has been an increasing emergence of modern information technologies, which better improve or innovate medical intervention measures and hold significant potential for the future development of medical technology. Modern information technology (or new media technology) plays a crucial role in HIV/AIDS research. This study explores the potential of information technology in enhancing HIV/AIDS awareness from multiple dimensions and systematically summarizes the theoretical frameworks and specific implementation methods of relevant studies. Through this research, we not only summarize the application cognition of modern information technology in health intervention but also provide new ideas and methods to improve HIV/AIDS awareness among older people, which is meaningful for enhancing HIV/AIDS awareness and inspiring future related research.

As early as 2000, scholars reported that theory-driven intervention measures have been proven to be more effective than non–theory-driven ones [Fisher JD, Fisher WA. Theoretical approaches to individual-level change in HIV risk behavior. In: Handbook of HIV Prevention. Berlin, Germany. Springer; 2000:3-55.92]. However, among the 55 studies included in this study, only 45% (n=25) of the intervention schemes were based on theory-driven approaches, with the remaining studies either not reporting the research framework used or not using any theoretical framework. Among these 25 studies, the most commonly used theory was the IMB theory [Fisher JD, Fisher WA. Changing AIDS-risk behavior. Psychol Bull. 1992;111(3):455-474. [CrossRef] [Medline]70]. In health education interventions based on the IMB theory, accurate information about HIV/AIDS is first provided, emphasizing personalized interventions to increase individual awareness levels. Subsequently, by highlighting the serious threat of HIV/AIDS to individual health, individuals’ positive motivations for prevention and treatment are stimulated, encouraging proactive behavior change. Finally, by providing practical behavioral skills training, individuals are helped to overcome barriers to implementing healthy behaviors, such as correctly using condoms and undergoing regular HIV testing, to achieve the intervention’s objectives. The widespread application of the IMB theory in HIV/AIDS health education reflects its effectiveness in integrating information, motivation, and behavioral skills, providing theoretical support for designing targeted and effective health interventions. Additionally, some studies have integrated multiple theoretical frameworks as comprehensively as possible to construct intervention schemes [Weitzman PF, Zhou Y, Kogelman L, Mack S, Sharir JY, Vicente SR, et al. A web-based HIV/STD prevention intervention for divorced or separated older women. Gerontologist. 2020;60(6):1159-1168. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]22,Côté J, Rouleau G, Ramirez-Garcia MP, Auger P, Thomas R, Leblanc J. Effectiveness of a web-based intervention to support medication adherence among people living with HIV: web-based randomized controlled trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2020;6(2):e17733. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]23,Kinuthia J, Ronen K, Unger JA, Jiang W, Matemo D, Perrier T, et al. SMS messaging to improve retention and viral suppression in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs in Kenya: a 3-arm randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med. 2021;18(5):e1003650. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]26,Chenneville T, Drake H, Gabbidon K, Rodriguez C, Hightow-Weidman L. Bijou: engaging young MSM in HIV care using a mobile health strategy. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2021;20:23259582211030805. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Cho H, Flynn G, Saylor M, Gradilla M, Schnall R. Use of the FITT framework to understand patients' experiences using a real-time medication monitoring pill bottle linked to a mobile-based HIV self-management app: a qualitative study. Int J Med Inform. 2019;131:103949. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. Therefore, we encourage future research to use theory-driven approaches as much as possible to enhance the quality of interventions and improve intervention outcomes.

We found that the majority of studies used mobile phones as a platform for cognitive interventions, demonstrating diversity and innovation in HIV/AIDS cognitive interventions. From the results of this study, it is evident that the intelligent apps developed by various studies transcend the traditional role of communication tools in cognitive interventions. Leveraging the high portability and ubiquity of smartphones, these interventions offer convenient and personalized ways to reach the target population. By harnessing the mature functionalities of smartphones, such as integrating phone calls, SMS text messaging modules, and chat apps, these interventions provide communication pathways and methods rooted in traditional communication for intervention purposes [Fan X, Ning K, Liu C, Zhong H, Lau JTF, Hao C, et al. Uptake of an app-based case management service for HIV-positive men who have sex with men in China: process evaluation study. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e40176. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]17,Morano JP, Clauson K, Zhou Z, Escobar-Viera CG, Lieb S, Chen IK, et al. Attitudes, beliefs, and willingness toward the use of mHealth tools for medication adherence in the florida mHealth adherence project for people living with HIV (FL-mAPP): pilot questionnaire study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2019;7(7):e12900. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]45-Anand T, Nitpolprasert C, Jantarapakde J, Meksena R, Phomthong S, Phoseeta P, et al. Implementation and impact of a technology-based HIV risk-reduction intervention among Thai men who have sex with men using "Vialogues": a randomized controlled trial. AIDS Care. 2020;32(3):394-405. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]48]. The customization of apps tailored to specific populations, such as MSM [Schnall R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Batey DS, Bruce J, Hidalgo MA, et al. Efficacy of MyPEEPS mobile, an HIV prevention intervention using mobile technology, on reducing sexual risk among same-sex attracted adolescent males: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231853. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Cordoba E, Idnay B, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, et al. Examining the information systems success (ISS) of a mobile sexual health app (MyPEEPS Mobile) from the perspective of very young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Int J Med Inform. 2021;153:104529. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig KE, Egger JR, Vecchio A, Platt A. Epic allies: a gamified mobile app to improve engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral adherence among young men who have sex with men. AIDS Behav. 2021;25(8):2599-2617. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]50,Horvath KJ, Lammert S, Danh T, Mitchell JW. The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of mobile application to increase repeat HIV testing among sexual minority men. AIDS Behav. 2020;24(6):1835-1850. [CrossRef] [Medline]51], vulnerable adolescents [Aladin B, Thompson M, Addison D, Havens J, McGowan J, Nash D, et al. The YGetIt? Program: a mobile application, PEEP, and digital comic intervention to improve HIV care outcomes for young adults. Health Promot Pract. 2023;24(4):658-668. [CrossRef] [Medline]40], and transgender women [Sun CJ, Anderson KM, Kuhn T, Mayer L, Klein CH. A sexual health promotion app for transgender women (Trans Women Connected): development and usability study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020;8(5):e15888. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]37], highlights the flexibility and adaptability of smartphone apps in meeting the diverse health needs of different groups.

Future Directions

Despite the promising future and wide-ranging applicability of smartphone app interventions, as evident from the studies included in this scoping review, only one study [Morano JP, Clauson K, Zhou Z, Escobar-Viera CG, Lieb S, Chen IK, et al. Attitudes, beliefs, and willingness toward the use of mHealth tools for medication adherence in the florida mHealth adherence project for people living with HIV (FL-mAPP): pilot questionnaire study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2019;7(7):e12900. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]45] mentions the relevance to the population of older people. Older people may face unique challenges and needs related to HIV/AIDS, such as unfamiliarity or discomfort with digital technology and preferences for accessing health information through specific channels. Therefore, developing specialized smartphone app interventions tailored to the population of older people is essential. These interventions should address the unique needs and preferences of older adults by incorporating user-friendly features that align with their specific contexts and lifestyles. For example, simplified navigation systems; larger font sizes; and real-time, one-on-one, web-based support are highly recommended. Additionally, for older people who may face challenges with typing or using smartphones, voice-guided navigation could be an especially effective solution. Such tailored interventions and innovations are crucial for enhancing accessibility and usability, ultimately improving the older people population’s engagement with health information and interventions.

Through this review, it is evident that a significant portion of studies prefer using SMS text messaging for interventions, with only one study [Aunon FM, Wanje G, Richardson BA, Masese L, Odeny TA, Kinuthia J, et al. Randomized controlled trial of a theory-informed mHealth intervention to support ART adherence and viral suppression among women with HIV in Mombasa, Kenya: preliminary efficacy and participant-level feasibility and acceptability. BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):837. [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]16] emphasizing the importance of protecting user privacy. SMS text messaging interventions involve the collection, storage, and use of users’ personal information. Therefore, safeguarding user privacy is crucial, especially when sensitive health information is involved. The lack of adequate protection for user privacy may lead to distrust and resistance among users, impacting their acceptance and engagement with the intervention.

Strengths and Limitations

To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review is the first to comprehensively summarize the theoretical frameworks used in interventions using modern information technologies to enhance HIV/AIDS-related cognition and self-management behaviors. Adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute framework provides a structured and standardized approach to the scoping review process, enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of the findings. Additionally, it provides an updated integration of recent intervention studies leveraging contemporary digital tools, reflecting the rapid advancements in information technology. By systematically consolidating existing intervention strategies, this review offers diverse possibilities for future research and helps prevent the redundancy of developing similar intervention schemes.

This scoping review has several limitations. First, we excluded gray literature, such as conference abstracts and dissertations, from our inclusion and exclusion criteria, which may have restricted the literature retrieved during the search. Second, all the studies included in the review were in English, potentially overlooking high-quality studies written in other languages. Furthermore, some studies using modern information technologies may have used different keywords, which could have resulted in the omission of relevant research from our review. Finally, as a scoping review, this study does not assess the effectiveness of the interventions, which should be addressed in future systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

Conclusions

This study found that modern information technology has been widely used in designing intervention programs to improve cognitive function and self-management behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS. These interventions primarily use mobile phones as carriers and the internet as the medium for dissemination. Such technological approaches enable personalized, convenient, and real-time interventions, expanding the methods and avenues of traditional interventions. However, we also observed that most of the included studies have not fully used existing theories or conceptual frameworks in constructing their interventions. The lack of support from theoretical frameworks may lead to research failing to achieve the established goals as originally designed, thereby slowing the problem-solving process and potentially affecting the final effectiveness.

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Capital Health Development Research Program (First Issue 2024-2G-2174). All ideas, writing, and original content in this manuscript were conceived and developed exclusively by the authors. No generative artificial intelligence tools or models were used in the creation of any part of this work.

Data Availability

The datasets generated during or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Authors' Contributions

HH and MX designed and produced this manuscript. ZY, MX, and HH contributed to the screening of literature and the creation of summary tables. AW contributed to the conception and design and critically revised the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

Multimedia Appendix 1

Specific search strings.

DOCX File , 21 KB

Multimedia Appendix 2

PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 117 KB

Multimedia Appendix 3

The general information of included literature.

XLSX File (Microsoft Excel File), 23 KB

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ART: antiretroviral therapy
IMB: Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills
ISR: Information Systems Research Framework
MSM: men who have sex with men
PRISMA-ScR: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews


Edited by T de Azevedo Cardoso; submitted 15.02.24; peer-reviewed by H Zhang, Z Zhang, D Wu, M-S Shim; comments to author 19.11.24; revised version received 01.12.24; accepted 11.12.24; published 13.01.25.

Copyright

©Hao Huang, MeiLian Xie, Zhen Yang, AiPing Wang. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 13.01.2025.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (ISSN 1438-8871), is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on https://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.


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