Mobile health for community participation: Research patterns and directions

Abstract

<Abstract> Objectives: This study aims to examine the trends of mobile-health research in terms of community participation. Methods: A set of 24 peer-reviewed articles were identified for review. Two authors independently reviewed the articles using a literature review matrix and reexamined as a team. Review categories include: general characteristics, research methods, levels and ranges of community participation, and research topics. Results: Most of the articles were published in 2013-2014, including one domestic paper. Multidisciplinary approaches were used in 65% of the studies. Community participation was at low or mid-levels of Arnstein's participation model. In mobile-health research so far, the level of participation tends to improve as more diverse stakeholders participate in health promotion initiatives with mobile-health. The review yielded five types of mobile-health research for community health promotion: improving the quality of primary healthcare through the community health workers'capacity enhancement; improving the data collection capabilities; facilitating exchanges of community information and resources; reinforcing community identity; and monitoring physical environment of the communities. Conclusions: Although at an early stage of research development, application of mobile-health to community health promotion via participation has a potential. Multi-disciplinary approaches should be fostered for further development.