Mobile intervention applications as a strategy to prevent sexually transmissible infections: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: to identify scientific production about mobile intervention applications as a strategy for the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Methodology: Integrative Review with search in CINHAL, PubMed, LILACS and Medline databases. Of the 13 articles that comprised the sample, eight addressed the use of mobile intervention applications and five of partner recruitment. Results: Most studies have shown that users of mobile applications are young, men who have sex with men, and who have attended higher education. As for the vulnerability to STIs/AIDS, they have a greater multiplicity of partners and low adherence to condoms. As for the use of STI prevention applications, the intervention programs proved to be efficient, as they increased condom use and knowledge about STIs in the countries where they were tested. Conclusion: The applications represent a contributing factor for risk behaviors and STIs, however they can be great allies in prevention.