A Narrative Review of Appointment and Medication Adherence in Socio-Demographic Contexts

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its potential, socio-demographic differences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, continue to influence patterns of adoption, access, and effectiveness of digital health solutions. These discrepancies are particularly prominent in communities co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB), where mHealth has the potential to alter adherence and treatment delivery. Aim: This narrative review examines how sociodemographic variables (age, gender, education, income, and geographic location) impact mHealth adherence and uptake among HIV/TB co-infected individuals. Method: The review uses a narrative synthesis technique. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AJOL, and Google Scholar were some of the databases searched. The inclusion criteria were based on empirical studies on mHealth, HIV/TB co-infection, and socio-demographic disparities. Thematic analysis was used to organize findings based on major demographic features without the limits of systematic review methodology. Findings: The analysis reveals that age and gender have a substantial impact on mHealth literacy and autonomy, whereas education levels correlate with app usability and SMS comprehension. Income and rural residence also hamper device access and network dependability. Policy fragmentation and digital illiteracy remain implementation impediments, whereas participatory design and public-private partnerships emerge as enablers. Conclusion: One-size-fits-all mHealth strategies are insufficient. Equity-informed, context-specific frameworks that incorporate sociodemographic profiling into design, implementation, and assessment are critical for long-term effect.