Mobile Applications in Advancing Health Literacy: A Review of Methodologies, Participants, and Challenges

Introduction

Combining technology and healthcare has paved the way for innovative approaches to improving health outcomes (Aceto et al., 2018; Fiordelli et al., 2013). One significant development is integrating mobile applications to advance health literacy (Emerson et al., 2022; Üstün et al., 2020). Health literacy, recognized as an essential factor in individual well-being and healthcare effectiveness (Ishikawa & Yano, 2008; Squiers et al., 2012; Visscher et al., 2018), includes the ability to access, understand, and apply health-related information (Emerson et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2020). With the advent of mobile applications, individuals now have easy access to a wealth of tailored and comprehensible health resources at their fingertips (Emerson et al., 2022; Lin & Lou, 2021). The proliferation of mobile devices has played a crucial role in this advancement, making it possible to reach and cover a larger population. Due to the ever-growing popularity of these technologies, more individuals than ever before have the opportunity to benefit from the integration of mobile applications in health literacy initiatives. This accessibility revolutionizes the way people can access and utilize tailored health information, contributing to improved health outcomes (Aceto et al., 2018; Chauhan et al., 2024; Darda & Matta, 2024).

Despite these advancements, a research gap exists in understanding the published literature on the subject. Existing studies have primarily focused on specific aspects of mobile applications in health literacy, such as usability, effectiveness, or impact on specific health outcomes. However, a limited amount of research systematically maps and analyzes the breadth of existing literature related to this topic. This gap is significant as it can provide an overview of the field, identify key themes and gaps, and set the stage for future research endeavors. Thus, this chapter embarks on the examination of studies and research findings, drawing on the methodologies from the works of Selva-Pareja et al. (2022), Garcia (2023b), Bringula and Atienza (2022), and Emerson et al. (2022) to shed light on the complexity of technology improves something particularly in the field of healthcare (Fiordelli et al., 2013). This chapter aims to understand how mobile applications contribute to enhancing health literacy. Research on mobile applications and the targeted interventions addressing specific health conditions presented a convincing case for the potential of mobile applications in this domain (Emerson et al., 2022). Furthermore, several studies stressed the potential of mobile applications to strengthen healthcare professionals’ proficiency. This aspect of mobile health technologies holds significant implications for the broader healthcare ecosystem, suggesting opportunities for improved collaboration and information dissemination within healthcare settings (Aceto et al., 2018; Fiordelli et al., 2013; Üstün et al., 2020). Additionally, exploring the impact of mobile health technologies on health literacy levels provides a critical perspective (Emerson et al., 2022).

Further, the significance of integrating digital resources, particularly mobile applications, into modern healthcare strategies is underscored by these research findings, reinforcing the case for advancing health literacy through these technological tools (Erisen & Uludag, 2024; Tariq, 2024a, 2024b). Within this context, the objectives of this scoping review encompass three main points: