Community-Based and mHealth Technology Approaches for Early Detection of Pregnancy Risks: A Scoping Review
Keywords:
Community-Based Interventions, Early Detection, Maternal Health, mHealth, Pregnancy RisksAbstract
Pregnancy-related risks remain a major determinant of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Delays in identifying high-risk conditions contribute to an increase in complications that could actually be prevented through early detection. Community-based approaches integrated with digital technology and mobile health (mHealth) have the potential to improve early detection by expanding service reach and enabling continuous monitoring. This study aims to map community-based and digital/mHealth interventions for the early detection of pregnancy risks. The study employs a scoping review design using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and EBSCO for publications from 2020 to 2025. A total of 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically. The results showed a variety of interventions, including community-based screening supported by mHealth applications and clinical decision support systems (CDSS), combined with the involvement of community actors. The most frequently identified risks included anemia, hypertension, and preeclampsia. Key outcomes included increased antenatal care visits, early detection of complications, and more timely referrals. Key success factors included the capacity of community health workers, ease of use of technology, and support from the health system. The integration of community-based approaches and digital technology has the potential to strengthen systems for the sustainable early detection of pregnancy risks.
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