Utility of mobile applications in the management of hepatitis B: A systematic review

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is a public health issue, with severe complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer that impose significant economic, emotional, and psychosocial burdens. Despite the availability of a vaccine and oral treatments, effective management of this disease remains a challenge. Telemedicine and mobile applications have the potential to improve the management of chronic diseases; this study examines their utility in hepatitis B. A search was conducted in four databases in November 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 216 articles, seven studies were included. These studies evaluated the use of mobile applications in providing access to information, detection and linkage to care, quality of life assessment, and vaccination promotion. The findings showed the usefulness of these tools, considering mobile applications as a helpful tool in the management and prevention of hepatitis B.

Keywords: Aplicación móvil; Chronic hepatitis B; Electronic tool; Hepatitis crónica B; Herramienta electrónica; Mobile application.