Abstract

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION FOR IMPROVING HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE

Akonu Chinecherem Favour*, Godwin Odey Olim and Anthony Olagunju

ABSTRACT

Background: Digital technology has a potential benefit in strengthening global public health. The aim of the study is to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication in informing health seeking behaviour and improving health outcomes. Methods: This review followed a systematic process. Data were extracted on digital technology interventions designed to improve health-seeking behaviour. The eligibility criteria guided the final selection process for relevant randomised control trials for different health behaviour outcomes. Quality assessment and risk of bias was performed. Meta-analysis was performed. Some studies included for meta-analyses reported dichotomous data whereas the rest reported continuous data, so meta-analyses was performed differently for both type of data. Subgroup meta-analyses was also performed based on theoutcome each individual studies reported since the included studies are measuring different health-seeking behaviour. Results: Seven studies with dichotomous data reported an overall effect with odds ratio 1.27 ([95 CI 0.97-1.67]; p=0.09). Subgroup analyses overall effect did not reach statistical significance. Three studies reported continuous data, and the overall effect with mean difference of 1.05 ([95 CI-3.22, 5.33]; p=0.63) was reported. Continuous outcome showed no significant difference between the intervention and control group due to insufficient evidence. Conclusion: Findings from this study supports the use of non-digital intervention methods in improving health-seeking behaviour outcomes among health service users. However, for increased effectiveness, it is suggested that non-digital intervention be combined with digital intervention. Future research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the dual approach.

Keywords: Digital health, standard healthcare delivery, health-seeking behaviour.