mHealth for Diabetes Self-Management in Underserved Populations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Chronic diseases are difficult to manage as managing them requires both knowledge and motivation. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions attempt to address both of these factors and are promising ways to engage and educate underserved communities. The purpose of this paper is to review literature related to mHealth for diabetes self-management for underserved populations. Papers discussing design considerations for potential interventions and those discussing actual interventions are included. The review discusses the health theories and models used to design interventions, the role of community in several studies, the use of text messages as the predominant interaction method and other methods used, the demographics of the study participants, and the varying effectiveness of the studies.