A systematic review to determine if text messages about health and development in infants and young children affect caregiver behaviour

Abstract

Access to appropriate information can result in improved health and development outcomes for children. Providing information about health and developmental care via mobile devices (mHealth) can serve not only as curative healthcare but also as preventative health care in developing countries. Through mHealth programs, messages are sent by SMS or voice-recorded message. By reviewing the current state of evidence, the study aims to investigate if text messaging about health and development in young children has an effect on caregiver behaviour. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA-P statement guidelines. Five databases were used to conduct this study and the search was not limited to a specific time period. Key words were used in various combinations within the different databases. Thematic analysis was used to organise and synthesize the information extracted from the selected studies.This review included 19 studies. Study designs included Randomised Control Trials (RCT’s) (n=13, 68.4%), observational studies (n=3, 15.8%), and non-randomised control trials (n=3, 15.8%). Message content included educational information regarding health and development (89.5%), reminders (36.8%) and caregiver support (52.6%). Current evidence summarised from this review supports text messaging as an effective tool to change caregiver behaviour and child outcomes across a range of health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) related topics as the findings suggest increased caregiver comfort with basic infant health and development decisions. This may be attributable to information received via text message from health care professionals. Early childhood development has more limited evidence in terms of quantity and quality. More research is required in ECD and generally in low-to-middle income (LMIC) contexts.