Abstract
Background
Pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face significant barriers in obtaining timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health information, which can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes, maternal knowledge, and subsequently child health. The purpose of this research is to identify the online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs.
Methods
This scoping review was conducted to identify the information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Proquest databases were searched to identify related studies. After removing duplicates and screening, studies from a total of retrieved studies were selected for data extraction. Two independent reviewers were involved in screening, selecting, and extracting data, which were synthesized using thematic analysis. All of the studies had good methodological quality.
Results
After removing duplicates and screening, 11 qualitative and quantitative studies from a total of 3907 retrieved studies were selected for data extraction. In total, 48 items were identified as online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. The information needs of pregnant women were divided into four themes: nutrition, information about the fetus, information about the pregnancy, and maternal health and medication management.
Conclusion
Pregnant women in LMICs have distinct online health information needs. Despite access to various information sources, there are still gaps in the availability and adequacy of culturally appropriate, reliable, and timely health information tailored to pregnant women's needs in these settings. The importance of improving access to high-quality online health information to support maternal and fetal well-being is evident, suggesting a need for health interventions and policies that address these specific informational gaps to leverage digital platforms effectively.
Keywords: Information Needs, Information-seeking Behavior, Pregnancy, Pregnant Women, Low-income Countries, Middle-income Countries
↑What is “already known” in this topic:
Pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face significant barriers in obtaining timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health information, which can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes, maternal knowledge, and subsequently child health.
→What this article adds:
Pregnant women in LMICs have access to various information sources, but there are still gaps in the availability and adequacy of culturally appropriate, reliable, and timely health information.
Introduction
Pregnancy is a delicate cycle in a woman's life. Useful access to relevant health information prior to pregnancy is of high importance for prospective mothers (1). Pregnant women need a variety of health information in relation to nutrition management, medications, vaccines, weight management, psychological changes, sexual behavior, the place of delivery, childbirth, pregnancy complications, medicines to be taken during pregnancy, and newborn care (2). Access to reliable online health information is a cornerstone of promoting optimal maternal health and well-being in middle and low-income countries (LMICs), where medical resources can be scarce (3). Pregnant women in these settings usually face major barriers in obtaining timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health information that may influence birth results, mothers’ understanding, and overall infant well-being (4).
The rapid growth of the Internet connectivity presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps via providing online health information tailored to the requirements of pregnant women (5). Many pregnant women gather medical knowledge online and report feeling content with both the information and the emotional assistance they find there (6). In LMICs, studies indicate a growing trend in expectant mothers utilizing the web to find data pertaining to their pregnancy health (7) and that people trust online health information (8).
Lack of adequate knowledge of pregnancy health is among the factors that have increased the risk of illness and death among pregnant women (9). In general, making appropriate health decisions during pregnancy is of high importance, which may influence the mother's existence & her fetus (10). Improving the behaviors related to pregnancy is capable of lessening adverse pregnancy outcomes and supporting the safeguarding of women throughout gestation (11).
Nowadays, due to rapid access to a large amount of online health information from sources other than healthcare providers, it is necessary to examine the quest for health information searching behavior among pregnant women in LMICs as a primary element of consumers of health information. Women in these countries always refer to online information sources to meet their health information needs due to the importance of health for themselves and their fetus (12).
Various reviews have examined obstacles to health-information access (13), evaluated the quality of online health content concerning maternal obesity for patients (14), and explored internet-usage patterns among expectant mothers for obtaining pregnancy-related data (15). However, there is a notable absence of scoping reviews specifically investigating the need for web-based health data among pregnant women in LMICs in this area.
Understanding the specific online data requirements of women during pregnancy in LMICs is crucial to developing digital health strategies aligned with universal health coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This systematic scoping review aims to identify, map, and synthesize existing research on online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. By analyzing key themes, challenges, and gaps, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for policymakers, healthcare providers, and digital health innovators to improve access to vital maternal health information, eventually supporting healthier pregnancies and better health outcomes across diverse resource-limited settings.
Despite the importance of the health of pregnant women and their fetus, and considering the need to meet their informational needs using reliable and high-quality sources, so far, no comprehensive research has been conducted to review related studies in this field in order to determine the data needs of women during pregnancy and the resources they use. Therefore, this scoping review aims to identify the information needs of pregnant women and the information sources they use.
Methods
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences approved the study protocol. Subsequently, this scoping review was developed and written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) (16).
Search strategy
The keywords of information, information-seeking, information behavior, information behaviour, information searching, information access, information need, information retrieval, pregnant woman, pregnant women, pregnancy, pregnancies, gestation, information resource, health information resource were selected by consulting Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), relevant literature, and gathering input from domain specialists, we conducted searches in PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, and Scopus from any database inception to the end of 29 December 2024 (updated until 30 March 2025). In addition, the citation & reference lists of the included studies were manually examined to locate any potentially omitted studies (Appendix Table 1).
Study selection
All studies retrieved through the database search were imported into EndNote X9 software. After removing duplicates using this software, studies were screened in two stages. Initially, the titles and abstracts were screened based on eligibility criteria. In the next step, by screening the full texts, some studies were excluded because they did not align with the study objectives or satisfy the eligibility criteria, and data extraction method (Figure 1). The study selection process was done independently by two authors of the research team (M.Z. and F.Z.). In the event of disagreement between them, the cases were resolved through consensus.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flow diagram
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
The inclusion criteria:
• All studies utilize qualitative and quantitative desings with a qualitative component.
• Investigated the perspectives and experiences of the information requirements in LMICs used by pregnant women.
• English language studies.
The exclusion criteria:
• non-English language studies.
• Reviews, letters, books, and conferences.
Data extraction
The information of each study, such as the first author’s name, publication year, study objective, participant characteristics, sampling technique, country, data‑collection method, analytical approach, and study findings, was extracted into an Excel form. For each study, information was extracted independently by two reviewers (M.Z. & F.Z.), and disagreements between them were resolved through consensus.
Data synthesis and analysis
We synthesized the collected data from the included studies using a thematic analysis approach (17). Initial codes were derived from full texts of the selected studies. The codes were subsequently categorized into preliminary themes, which were then systematically reviewed, refined, and modified to ensure that they faithfully represented the underlying data. For each study, information was extracted independently by two investigators (M.Z. and F.Z.), and disagreements were resolved through consensus. The data were reported in a narrative form and as tables.
Quality appraisal
Due to its comprehensive and structured approach, we appraised studies that employed diverse methodologies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), Version 2018 (18). Two reviewers independently extracted the relevant information for each study (M.Z. & F.Z.). and discrepancies were resolved through consensus.
Results
We identified a total of 3,907 studies through database searching, and the selection process is detailed in the PRISMA flow diagram below (Figure 1). We first removed duplicates, then screened 2,242 studies. After full‑text evaluation of 138 studies, 11 qualitative and quantitative studies (19-29) were ultimately included.
Characteristics of included studies
The included studies’ characteristics are displayed in Table 1. This systematic scoping review included 9 qualitative and 2 quantitative studies conducted in 11 countries. From 2016 to 2025, the included studies appeared, with 2021 seeing the highest number (n=3) of publications. Data were most commonly collected through interviews. In terms of sampling, participant recruitment relied predominantly on a purposive strategy: thematic analysis (45.45 %, n = 5), content analysis (36.35 %, n = 4), and statistical analysis (18.20 %, n = 2).
Table 1. The characteristics of the included studies.
| Author (publication year) | Study aim | Sampling-Size | Country of origin | Data collection method | Analysis approach | Summary of findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alade & Sanusi (2024) | During the COVID-19 pandemic, explore the online information-searching patterns of pregnant women. | Purposive sampling-8 | Nigeria | In-depth telephone interview | Thematic analysis | Instead of consulting health professionals, pregnant women accessed online platforms to search for drug prescriptions and ask questions related to pregnancy. |
| Javanmardi et al. (2022) | Explore
the motivations of pregnant women to seek health information. |
Purposive sampling-39 | Iran | In‑depth semi‑structured interviews | Content analysis | For a variety of reasons—including gaining knowledge about maternal and fetal well-being, preventing recurring complications, and alleviating anxiety about pregnancy problems—pregnant women seek health information |
| Kang et al. (2022) | Pregnancy-Related Health Information-Seeking Behavior of Rural Women | Purposive sampling-100 | India | Interview | Thematic analysis | The essential topics on which women's information is sought regarding fetal growth, delivery setting, bodily changes in pregnancy, and other associated concerns. |
| Koliandri et al. (2023) | Understanding of informational support and information-seeking practices among pregnant women in Cyprus | Convenience sampling -64 | Cyprus | Focus groups | Content analysis | Introducing elements of abductive analysis, ‘Self-navigating in parallel worlds’, ‘Supplementing and filtering’, and ‘Art of communication’. |
| Muluneh et al. (2025) | Investigate PIH‑related information‑seeking conduct and its linked factors among pregnant mothers in rural locales. | Cluster sampling-635 | Ethiopia | Questionnaire | Statistical analysis | Health provision and the judged gravity of PIH were discovered to be connected with the pursuit of data on pregnancy‑induced hypertension. |
| Nuampa et al. (2024) | Explore Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and how they look for information about eating and nutrition during pregnancy. | Purposive sampling-50 | Myanmar | Focus group | Content analysis | Informal social networks serve as a source of experiential learning |
| Ojaperv andVirkus(2021) | Understanding of the
pregnancy-related information behavior
of pregnant women |
Convenience sampling-300 | Estonian | Questionnaire | Statistical analysis | The most frequently sought information was about fetal growth, medication safety during pregnancy, and the manifestation of pregnancy‑related symptoms |
| Owusu-Addo et al. (2016) | Look at how pregnant teens search for health information | purposive sampling-28 | Ghana | Individual interviews
and focus groups |
Thematic
analysis |
Knowing about the stages of pregnancy, how to feed a baby, nutrition during pregnancy, labour and birth, and care after birth were the most frequently sought information. |
| Rahmawati et al. (2021) | Investigate Indonesian pregnant women’s experiences in seeking and receiving nutrition information. | Purposive sampling-23 | Indonesia | Interview | Thematic analysis | Four key themes emerged concerning pregnant women’s nutrition information-seeking behaviour. |
| Sabahelzain et al. (2021) | Explore vaccine information-seeking behavior | Systematic random sampling-350 | Sudan | Questionnaire | Statistical analysis | Pregnant women searched for information about vaccines before and after pregnant. |
| Zhu et al. (2019) | Detail the present situation of pregnancyinformation searching and sharing on social networks | Convenience sampling- | China | Interview | Thematic analysis | Four areas of seeking behavior were gravidity, the fetus, delivery, and the postpartum period. |
Methodological quality appraisal
Regarding research question clarity and design specification, all included studies were fully explicit. In the qualitative subset, seven of nine papers (20, 22-24, 26, 28, 29). fulfilled all seven related quality criteria. In contrast, the two quantitative descriptive studies (19, 21) also satisfied all seven relevant items (Appendix Table 2).
Table 2 outlines the identified themes and sub-themes of the online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs, which were divided into four main categories: nutrition, information about the fetus, information about the pregnancy, and maternal health and medication management.
Table 2. The Online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs.
| Theme | Sub-themes | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Dietary Changes During Pregnancy | (Nuampa-2024), (Zhu-2019), (Ojaperv-2021) |
| Healthy Eating During Pregnancy | (Owusu-Addo-2016), (Nuampa-2024),(Rahmawati-2021) | |
| Pregnancy Nutrition Taboos | (Zhu-2019), (Nuampa-2024) | |
| Information about the Fetus | Infant Care | (Nuampa-2024), (Zhu-2019), ( Javanmardi -2022) |
| Fetal Development | (Zhu-2019), (Owusu-Addo-2016), (Ojaperv-2021), (Kang-2022) | |
| Sex of Fetus | (Zhu-2019) | |
| Information about the pregnancy | Managing Pregnancy Health & Well-being | (Javanmardi-2022), (Alade & Sanusi (2024), (Zhu-2019), (Ojaperv-2021), (Ojaperv-2021), (Alade & Sanusi-2024) |
| Seeking Support & Information | (Javanmardi 2022), ( Alade & Sanusi 2024), ( Koliandri-2023) | |
| Preparing for Delivery & Parenthood | (Kang-2022), (Owusu-Addo-2016), | |
| Adapting to Physical & Lifestyle Changes | (Kang-2022), (Ojaperv-2021), (Zhu-2019), (Owusu-Addo-2016) | |
| Maternal Health and Medication Management | Medication and Healthcare Management | (Alade & Sanusi-2024), (Muluneh-2025), (Ojaperv-2021), (Sabahelzain-2021) |
| Maternal Health and Well-being | (Zhu-2019), (Ojaperv-2021), (Zhu-2019), (Muluneh-2025), (Kang-2022), (Owusu-Addo-2016), | |
| Information Seeking and Social Support | (Nuampa-2024), (Zhu-2019), |
Discussion
This study employed a field review to identify what health information pregnant women in LMICs look for online. The findings explored the multifaceted experiences of pregnant individuals, revealing four key themes concerning their online information needs: nutrition, fetal development, pregnancy-related information, maternal health and medication management. This research expands the understanding of health information needs among pregnant women in LMICs.
The "Nutrition" theme encompassing "Dietary Changes During Pregnancy," "Healthy Eating During Pregnancy," and "Pregnancy Nutrition Taboos" underscores the significant concern of pregnant individuals for their dietary practices. Studies consistently highlighted the common experience of dietary changes during pregnancy driven by physiological adaptations, cravings, and aversions (24, 25, 28). Beyond mere changes, a strong emphasis was placed on healthy eating during pregnancy, reflecting an awareness, albeit sometimes varying in depth, of the importance of optimal maternal and fetal nutrition (24, 26, 29). A particularly salient finding was the pervasive influence of pregnancy nutrition taboos (24, 28). Often culturally embedded, these traditional beliefs and practices can significantly influence dietary choices, sometimes leading to unnecessary restrictions or anxiety. The consistent appearance of these sub-themes across multiple studies suggests a persistent and complex interplay between physiological needs, health-seeking behaviors, and cultural influences in the realm of maternal nutrition (24, 28). Awareness regarding the importance of dietary modifications during gestation is prevalent among pregnant women in middle & low-income countries. However, the nutritional behaviors of this demographic are frequently influenced by culturally ingrained taboos.
The theme "Information about the Fetus", comprising "Infant Care", "Fetal Development", and "Sex of Fetus" highlights the profound interest and concern pregnant individuals have for their developing child. The desire for information on infant care (20, 24, 28) indicates a forward-looking perspective, with people seeking to prepare for the post-natal period even during pregnancy. Overlap with "Information about the Pregnancy" is notable here, reflecting a holistic view of maternal and infant well-being. The sub-theme of fetal development (21, 25, 28, 29) demonstrates a keen interest in understanding the various stages of growth and potential milestones, which is likely to be driven by a desire for reassurance and connection with the fetus. The specific mention of Sex of Fetus (28) also points to a common information need, which can influence preparations and emotional bonding. To ensure pregnant women in middle & low-income countries receive accurate and comprehensive information concerning fetal development, policymakers must strategically plan for the integration of information dissemination across various levels of healthcare services and treatment protocols. This approach aims to optimize accessibility and enhance maternal understanding of fetal well-being.
The comprehensive theme "Information about the Pregnancy" encompasses "Managing Pregnancy Health & Well-being", "Seeking Support & Information", "Preparing for Delivery & Parenthood", and "Adapting to Physical & Lifestyle Changes." This theme reflects the active engagement of pregnant individuals in managing their pregnancy journey. The broad sub-theme of Managing Pregnancy Health & Well-being (19, 20, 25, 28) suggests a desire for proactive health management beyond merely addressing symptoms. This is further supported by the emphasis on Seeking Support & Information (19, 20, 22), underscoring the communal and social aspects of pregnancy. The preparation for the future is evident in Preparing for Delivery & Parenthood (21, 29), indicating a proactive approach to the impending changes. Finally, Adapting to Physical & Lifestyle Changes (21, 25, 28, 29) highlights the personal adjustments and challenges individuals face throughout pregnancy. The wide array of contributing studies to this theme indicates its central importance in the overall experience of pregnancy.
The final theme, namely "Maternal Health and Medication Management", includes "Medication and Healthcare Management", "Maternal Health and Well-being", and "Information Seeking and Social Support." This theme speaks to the critical importance of medical care and overall well-being during pregnancy.
The sub-theme Medication and Healthcare Management (19, 23, 25, 27) directly addresses the practical aspects of engaging with the healthcare system and making informed decisions about medication. This is intrinsically linked to Maternal Health and Well-being (21, 23, 25, 28, 29), which broadly encompasses the physical and mental health of the pregnant individual. The recurrent sub-theme of Information Seeking and Social Support (24, 28), appearing within this broader theme, as well as "Information about the Pregnancy," underscores its pervasive importance across various aspects of maternal health. This suggests that seeking information and receiving social support are not isolated activities but rather integrated strategies for managing both physical and mental health challenges during pregnancy.This finding underscores the necessity of re-evaluating the design and implementation of healthcare programs and services in middle & low-income countries.
Conclusion
This scoping review highlights the comprehensive & dynamic information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. The identified themes and sub-themes demonstrate that pregnant individuals actively seek information across a wide spectrum of topics, from basic nutritional guidance to complex medical management and preparations for parenthood. This suggests a rich and interconnected understanding of the pregnancy experience across various research contexts. Future research could further explore how these information needs evolve across different trimesters and how digital health interventions can be tailored to effectively address these diverse needs, especially considering the influence of cultural factors such as nutrition taboos. Understanding these multifaceted requirements is crucial for developing targeted and effective support systems empowering pregnant individuals to formulate evidence‑based decisions concerning their own well‑being and that of their babies. Policymakers should attend to the identified informational needs of pregnant women in LMICs. This understanding is expected to improve the content of health education and information for pregnant women, thereby enhancing maternal and child health in these regions.
Ethical Considerations
This paper is taken from an approved PhD thesis in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with code 3401614 and ethics code IR.MUI.NUREMA.REC.1401.147.
Funding Support
This study was partially derived from the doctoral dissertation conducted with financial support from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
Data Availability
The data supporting the findings of this scoping review, including the list of included studies and data extraction forms, are available from the first author (Mohammad Zarei). For data access, please contact the author at 2025mz@mng.mui.ac.ir.
AI Use Statement
No artificial intelligence (AI) tools or technologies were used in the preparation, writing, editing, or analysis of this manuscript.
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Acknowledgment
The authors acknowledge Isfahan University of Medical Sciences for their financial support.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors helped plan the study, gathered and analyzed the data, wrote, read, polished, and agreed on the final version.
Appendix Table 1.
Search Strategy.
| PubMed | ||
|---|---|---|
| Search | Query | Results |
| # 1 | (“Information-seeking Behavior”[mesh] OR “information behavio*”[tiab] OR “Information-seeking”[tiab] OR “information searching”[tiab] OR “information access”[tiab] OR “information retrieval”[tiab] OR “information need*”[tiab]) | 20,978 |
| # 2 | (“Pregnant Women”[mesh] OR “Pregnant Wom*”[tiab] OR Pregnancy[mesh] OR Pregnan*[tiab] OR gestation[tiab]) | 1,261,255 |
| # 3 | # 1 AND # 2 | 839 |
| Web of Science (WoS) | ||
| Search | Query | Results |
| # 1 | TS=(“Information-seeking” OR “information behavior*” OR “information searching” OR “information access” OR “information retrieval” OR “information need*”) | 85,630 |
| # 2 | TS=(“Pregnant Wom*” OR Pregnan* OR gestation) | 788,691 |
| # 3 | # 1 AND # 2 | 783 |
| Scopus | ||
| Search | Query | Results |
| # 1 | TITLE-ABS-KEY(“Information-seeking” OR “information behavior” OR “information searching” OR “information access” OR “information retrieval” OR “information need*”) | 253,056 |
| # 2 | TITLE-ABS-KEY(“Pregnant Wom*” OR Pregnan* OR gestation) | 1,464,957 |
| # 3 | # 1 AND # 2 | 2,175 |
| ProQuest | ||
| Search | Query | Results |
| # 1 | ti, ab (“Information-seeking” OR “information behavior” OR “information searching” OR “information access” OR “information retrieval” OR “information need*”) | 613 |
| # 2 | ti, ab (“Pregnant Wom*” OR Pregnan* OR gestation) | 7,533 |
| # 3 | # 1 AND # 2 | 79 |
Appendix Table 2.
Methodological quality appraisal.
| Article | Screening Questions | Qualitative Studies | Quantitative Descriptive Studies | Mixed Methods Studies | Overall Appraisal | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Are there clear research questions? | Do the collected data allow to address the research questions? | Is the qualitative approach appropriate to answer the research question? | Are the qualitative data collection methods adequate to address the research question? | Are the findings adequately derived from the data? | Is the interpretation of results sufficiently substantiated by data? | Is there coherence between qualitative data sources, collection, analysis and interpretation? | Is the sampling strategy relevant to address the research question? | Is the sample representative of the target population? | Are the measurements appropriate? | Is the risk of nonresponse bias low? | Is the statistical analysis appropriate to answer the research question? | Is there an adequate rationale for using a mixed methods design to address the research question? | Are the different components of the study effectively integrated to answer the research question? | Are the outputs of the integration of qualitative and quantitative components adequately interpreted? | Are divergences and inconsistencies between quantitative and qualitative results adequately addressed? | Do the different components of the study adhere to the quality criteria of each tradition of the methods involved? | Include/Exclude/Seek further information | ||||
| MIXED METHODS STUDIES | |||||||||||||||||||||
| - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| QUANTITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Muluneh et al. (2025) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Can't tell | Include | |||||||||||||
| Ojaperv andVirkus (2021) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Sabahelzain et al. (2021) | Yes | Yes | Can't tell | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| QUALITATIVE STUDIES | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Alade & Sanusi (2024) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Javanmardi et al. (2022) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
|
Kang et al.
(2022) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Koliandri et al. (2023) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Nuampa et al. (2024) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Owusu-Addo et al. (2016) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
| Rahmawati et al. (2021) | Yes | Yes | No | Can't tell | No | Yes | No | Include | |||||||||||||
| Zhu et al. (2019) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Include | |||||||||||||
Cite this article as : Zarei M, Zarea Gavgani V, Zarei A, Zare-Farashbandi F. Online Health Information Needs of Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2026 (27 Apr);40:40. https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.40.40
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
The data supporting the findings of this scoping review, including the list of included studies and data extraction forms, are available from the first author (Mohammad Zarei). For data access, please contact the author at 2025mz@mng.mui.ac.ir.