Challenges and opportunities for HIV screening with the support of health digital technology: A scoping review

Suarnianti  Suarnianti; Nyoman Anita  Damayanti; Indah  Restika; Erna  Kadrianti; Kartika Sari  Wijayaningsih; Suhartatik  Suhartatik

doi:10.18502/npt.v12i4.19649

Suarnianti Suarnianti Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Nyoman Anita Damayanti Department of Administration and Health Policy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
Indah Restika Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Erna Kadrianti Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Kartika Sari Wijayaningsih Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Suhartatik Suhartatik Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/npt.v12i4.19649

Keywords: HIV testing; digital health technology; accessibility; privacy; technology reliability; scoping review

Abstract

Background & Aim: HIV screening is a crucial step in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, but challenges related to accessibility, efficiency, and service quality in many regions. With the rise of digital technologies, digital health applications hold significant potential to address these challenges. This review evaluates the opportunities and challenges of applying digital technologies in HIV screening, focusing on accessibility, privacy, and healthcare quality.

Materials & Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the framework of Arksey & O'Malley (2005), as modified by Levac et al. (2010). Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, DOAJ, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost for studies published between 2015 and 2024. Relevant studies were selected based on criteria focused on technology accessibility, privacy, and infrastructure reliability. Data were extracted, mapped, and findings categorized by geographical context and key challenges.

Results: Ten studies involving over 3,500 participants were analysed, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and program evaluations. Major challenges identified included limited access to technology, particularly in low-resource areas, as well as privacy concerns and technology reliability. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities to improve healthcare services through digital technologies were noted, especially when adapted to local contexts and supported by user training.

Conclusion: Despite challenges in accessibility and privacy, digital technologies provide opportunities to enhance HIV screening, especially with contextual adaptations and user training. These findings suggest a path forward for integrating digital solutions in HIV care.