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. 2017 Feb 2;2017(2):CD009013. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009013.pub2

Information and communication technologies (ICT) for promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and preventing HIV infection in adolescents and young adults

Medetongnon Alfred Serge Djossa Adoun 1,✉, Marie‐Pierre Gagnon 2, Gaston Godin 3, Nadine Tremblay 4, Merlin M Njoya 5, Stéphane Ratté 5, Hélène Gagnon 6, José Côté 7, Joyal Miranda 7, Birama Apho Ly 8
PMCID: PMC6677289

Abstract

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

Our main goal is to provide knowledge about the effectiveness and adoption factors of ICT interventions on SRH promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

Primary objective: To assess the effectiveness of ICT interventions for SRH promotion including HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

Interventions of interest are the behavioral ones, aimed at SRH promotion and primary prevention of HIV in heterosexual adolescents and young adults. Three comparisons are then planned:

1‐       ICT intervention versus no intervention;

2‐       ICT intervention versus other interventions not using ICT;

3‐       ICT intervention versus another ICT intervention.

To assess the influence of specific factors across studies, subgroup comparisons will be conducted with respect to the characteristics of technology, intervention and recipients. The following characteristics provide potential categories for grouping studies, but the number of subgroup comparisons will depend on the characteristics of the studies included in the review.

Characteristics of technology: internet (internet‐based, web‐based and online intervention), computer, cell phone, Personal Digital Assistance, CD‐Rom, interactive video, telemedicine/telehealth, etc.

Characteristics of interventions: clinic‐based, school‐based, population‐based, community‐based, peer‐support, tailored, targeted, theory‐based, etc.

Characteristics of recipients: gender (male, female), age (adolescents, young adults), place of residence (urban, rural).

Secondary objective: To identify factors of applicability of ICT interventions in SRH promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

We will develop the discussion on the limitations and opportunities of ICT approaches (access, cost, ease of use, confidentiality/privacy, etc.). 

Background

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is an important aspect of human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes SRH as a fundamental right, specifically that "people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sexual life, and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so" (WHO 2009). The conceptual framework proposed by the WHO, emphasizing the links between SRH and HIV, demonstrates that these concepts are closely interrelated (WHO 2005b). It should be noted that "adolescents’ sexual health" is rarely discussed without the component of "reproductive health". An excursion in the literature, and particularly on the WHO website, leads us to conclude that the terms "sexual health of adolescents", "sexual and reproductive health of adolescents" and "adolescents' reproductive health" are used interchangeably, the most used being "sexual and reproductive health of adolescents". Focus is mainly on the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) including HIV/AIDS (Public Health Agency of Canada 2009; Thato 2008; WHO 1995; WHO 2005a), unintended pregnancies and abortions as a result of these pregnancies (Acharya 2010; Henshaw 2000; WHO 2009). There has also been increasing concerns about the sexual risk behaviours adopted by this population (Hutton‐Rose 2008; Kelley 2003; Lengen 2010; Lowry 2010; Rogstad 2004).

The discovery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has seriously shifted the concerns of public health in relation to SRH. The speeches and actions seem to focus more on treatment adherence for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and secondary prevention than on primary prevention. However, despite several decades of sexual education and promotion of safer sexual practices in developed and developing countries, the epidemiologic profiles of adolescents and young adults' SRH remain worrisome around the world. This reflects the need to strengthen primary prevention which is the focus of our review. 333 million new cases of curable STI occur worldwide each year, with the highest rates among 20‐24 year olds, followed by 15‐19 year olds (WHO 1995). In 2005, up to 60% new STI infections were found among people between 15‐24 years of age; of these, half of them were PLHIVs (WHO 2005a).

Interest in adolescent and young adult SRH has gradually increased since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994 which highlighted specific SRH needs of young people. The ICPD stipulated that adolescents should be provided with information and services helping them to understand their sexuality and protect themselves against unintended pregnancies, STI and infertility risks; in addition, young men should also be educated with respect to women’s self‐determination and to share responsibility with them in matters of sexuality and procreation (UN 1994). Responding to the 1994 ICPD in Cairo, national policies, programs and interventions have been elaborated to improve the SRH of adolescents and young adults. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains limited. For instance, an evaluation of a program in Benin showed that only one‐third of the target population was sensitized (Djossa Adoun 2009). Similarly, most of the existing interventions promoting SRH in adolescent and young adults have shown limitations in achieving their goals (Magnussen 2004). Thus, the ability to disseminate efficacious interventions into many practice settings remains limited (Noar 2009). Then, it follows that premarital pregnancy rates and some STIs are increasing and becoming serious problems, both in developing and developed countries (Kirby 2007). The barriers and challenges regarding interventions’ fidelity have also limited the public health impact of HIV prevention strategies that have been delivered at both individual and group levels (Noar 2009). These limitations raise the need to find other ways to optimise both the coverage and impact of programs promoting SRH in young people. In this context, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is an interesting avenue to explore.

 

Description of the condition

For several years now, most sectors of activity are influenced by computerization. Internet, cell phones and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are central to the daily lives of the younger generation. Studies, socialization, work, recreation, and so on are now happening in conjunction with ICT. ICT represent an indispensable means of information, networking and communication among this population on global scale. For example, the African continent registered a growth of 1,809.8% in internet access from 2000 to 2009 (Internet World 2009). Mobile phone usage is also increasing everywhere: the weighted average for 43 countries being 59.3 cell phones per 100 people (International Telecommunication Union 2009). With regards to the internet, if public health institutions are not actively participating with the online community, these institutions will be isolated from the progressively predominant central location where human activities occur (O'Neill 2009). As an example, when asked about their preferences for HIV/AIDS prevention interventions, young adults stated they preferred interventions that used some modes of technology such as the internet (Miranda 2009).

Description of the intervention

ICT demonstrate enormous potential in health promotion, particularly in the promotion of SRH of adolescents and youth. As shown in previous systematic reviews, most existing interventions (school‐ and community‐based) did not successfully achieve their goals (Magnussen 2004). A Cochrane review of studies focusing on population‐based interventions concluded that there was no strong evidence from randomized controlled trials for STI control as an effective HIV prevention strategy (Sangani 2004). As such, it seems highly relevant to explore innovative intervention modalities such as the use of ICT in promoting SRH among adolescents and young adults. Computer‐ and technologies‐based interventions include a wide array of differing types of communication interventions. Noar et al have listed and illustrated many computer‐mediated interventions for HIV prevention. Some of these interventions, designed for a particular target audience, included a variety of content and activities and were typically delivered on screen, using a local computer (Noar 2010). Others, individually tailored, utilized computer‐generated materials based upon an assessment of individuals' characteristics (Noar 2010). However, developing sustainable ICT interventions (and strategies) for the promotion of SRH in adolescents and young adults require an agreed framework based on relevant evidence.

How the intervention might work

The applicability of ICT in the health care domain is well established. Several systematic reviews have been conducted to determine the value of ICT for health (Balas 2004; Callas 2000; Currell 2000; Hailey 2004; Kawamoto 2005; Wutoh 2004). In the field of public health, and particularly in health promotion practice, this evidence is less clearly demonstrated. Our review would complement other existing systematic reviews like the ones by Magnussen 2004, Paul‐Ebhohimhen 2008, and Williams 2004 focusing on school‐ and community‐based interventions. Most of the HIV prevention interventions are behavioral interventions aimed to promote positive changes in behaviours to reduce HIV transmission and infection (Noar 2010). In this regard, computer and technology‐based interventions present the advantages of lower cost to deliver, greater standardization, fidelity and ease of replicability, and greater flexibility in dissemination channels, which include in‐person, mail, internet, cell phone, or other delivery channels (Bull 2009; Noar 2009). Existing Cochrane reviews on similar topics have focused on men who have sex with men (Johnson 2008) or on population‐based interventions (Sangani 2004), and no systematic review has looked specifically at ICT interventions targeting adolescents and young adults. A Cochrane systematic review has recently been published on behavioral interventions for sexual health promotion (Bailey 2010) but this review focused on interactive computer‐based interventions, which constitute one type of ICT application. In addition, studies included in this review looked at sexual health promotion broadly and did not highlight specific HIV/AIDS‐related outcomes. This review also included studies involving participants of any age with no subgroup analysis focusing on adolescents and young adults. Therefore, we will consider individual studies included in this particular review and select those involving our targeted population. Furthermore, we have performed a preliminary search and found many potentially eligible studies and meta‐analyses of computer and technology‐based HIV prevention interventions that have not been included in the review by Bailey et al. (Barak 2009; Bull 2009; Calderon 2009; Noar 2009; Noar 2010) which will be relevant for our review.

Why it is important to do this review

ICT interventions for the promotion of SRH and the prevention of HIV infection among adolescents and young adults are increasingly, but dispersedly, reported in the literature. Many studies have suggested that using ICT tools may be acceptable and feasible in this field (Curioso 2007), that computer‐tailored intervention increases HIV/AIDS preventive behavior (Kiene 2006) and that computer‐ and internet‐based intervention delayed initiation of sexual activity and increased knowledge, condom negotiation self‐efficacy, attitude toward waiting to have sex, and situational self‐efficacy (Roberto 2007). Similarly, a meta‐analysis including 12 randomized controlled trials indicated that computer technology‐based HIV prevention interventions have been efficacious in increasing condom use and reducing sexual activity, numbers of sexual partners, and incident STD (Noar 2009). However, up to now, knowledge about ICT applications in this field while targeting specifically adolescents and young adults has not been synthesized. The proposed review will examine, globally, the characteristics and the effectiveness of ICT interventions promoting SRH including HIV prevention in heterosexual adolescents and young adults and will assess modes or strategies of delivery in ICT interventions and link different modes to effect sizes.

Objectives

Our main goal is to provide knowledge about the effectiveness and adoption factors of ICT interventions on SRH promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

Primary objective: To assess the effectiveness of ICT interventions for SRH promotion including HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

Interventions of interest are the behavioral ones, aimed at SRH promotion and primary prevention of HIV in heterosexual adolescents and young adults. Three comparisons are then planned:

1‐       ICT intervention versus no intervention;

2‐       ICT intervention versus other interventions not using ICT;

3‐       ICT intervention versus another ICT intervention.

To assess the influence of specific factors across studies, subgroup comparisons will be conducted with respect to the characteristics of technology, intervention and recipients. The following characteristics provide potential categories for grouping studies, but the number of subgroup comparisons will depend on the characteristics of the studies included in the review.

Characteristics of technology: internet (internet‐based, web‐based and online intervention), computer, cell phone, Personal Digital Assistance, CD‐Rom, interactive video, telemedicine/telehealth, etc.

Characteristics of interventions: clinic‐based, school‐based, population‐based, community‐based, peer‐support, tailored, targeted, theory‐based, etc.

Characteristics of recipients: gender (male, female), age (adolescents, young adults), place of residence (urban, rural).

Secondary objective: To identify factors of applicability of ICT interventions in SRH promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults.

We will develop the discussion on the limitations and opportunities of ICT approaches (access, cost, ease of use, confidentiality/privacy, etc.). 

Methods

Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies

The following study designs will be considered: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including cluster RCT (c‐RCTs), quasi‐randomized controlled trials (q‐RCTs), controlled before‐and‐after trials (CBAs) and interrupted times series (ITS), where there is a clearly defined point in time when the intervention occurred and at least three data points before and three data points after the intervention (Ramsay 2003). Studies published in all languages will be included.

Types of participants

Adolescents and young adults, aged between 15‐24 years old, targeted by an ICT intervention for the promotion of SRH and/or the prevention of HIV/AIDS infection. Although adolescents are defined by WHO as persons between 10‐19 years of age (WHO 1998), most statistics in the field of SRH among adolescents and young adults often refer to 15‐24 year‐olds (WHO 1995; WHO 2005a).  

Types of interventions

To assess the influence of specific factors across studies, subgroup comparisons will be conducted with respect to the characteristics of technology, intervention and recipients. The following characteristics provide potential categories for grouping studies, but the number of subgroup comparisons will depend on the characteristics of the studies included in the review.

Characteristics of technology: internet (internet‐based, web‐based and online intervention), computer, cell phone, Personal Digital Assistance, CD‐Rom, Interactive video, telemedicine/telehealth, etc.

Characteristics of intervention: clinic‐based, school‐based, population‐based, community‐based, peer‐support, role‐play, tailored, targeted, theory‐based, etc.

Characteristics of recipients: gender (male, female), age (adolescents, young adults), place of residence (urban, rural).

Types of outcome measures

Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed as described below.

Primary outcomes

Sexual and reproductive behaviours, attitudes and intention towards healthy sexual behaviours, and knowledge about the causes and consequences of STIs including HIV/AIDS and sexual risky behavior us will be the primary outcome measures considered in this review. Sexual and reproductive behaviours include the number of sexual partners, age at first sexual relation, casual sex, substance use, condom use, contraceptive use, the exchange of sex for favours.       

Secondary outcomes

Factors affecting the adoption of ICT interventions for the promotion of SRH and HIV/AIDS prevention (barriers and facilitators), the relevance of ICT interventions for stakeholders, and associated costs will be considered.

Search methods for identification of studies

Standardised literature searches will be conducted on all relevant databases. Relevant references from studies found through the above routes will be followed up and obtained for assessment.

Electronic searches

Standardised literature searches will be conducted in all relevant databases: Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Computer and Information Systems Abstracts, Communication and Mass Media Complete, ERIC and other databases recommended for public health and health promotion Cochrane reviews (see Appendix I). To this end, an example of search strategy (developed for a research in PubMed) is presented in Appendix II. The sensitivity of the search strategy will be validated by ensuring that all relevant key articles identified by team members are retrieved.

Searching other resources

Handsearches will be performed in specialised scientific journals (AIDS, AIDS & Behavior, AIDS Care, AIDS Education and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Journal of Adolescent Health, Journal of Health Communication, Health Education Research, International Journal of Adolescent Medical Health, American Journal of Public Health, Social Science and Medicine) with a focus on SRH promotion including HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and young adults. Relevant references from studies found through the above routes will be followed up and obtained for assessment. Finally, publications citing the selected articles as well as other articles from authors of the selected articles will be searched through the ISI Science Citation Index. Specialized email lists will be used to contact experts in the field of the promotion of SRH and prevention of HIV/AIDS in adolescents and young adults for unpublished studies.

Time period to be covered by literature searches is from 1995 to the date the review is completed. We believe that the application of ICT in this area has increased over the last 15 years.

Data collection and analysis

All titles and abstracts will be independently screened by two authors to assess if studies met the selection criteria. Any discrepancies on study inclusion between the two reviewers will be resolved by discussion with other team members.

Selection of studies

Three authors (Serge Djossa Adoun, Marie‐Pierre Gagnon, and Nadine Tremblay) will be involved in study identification and data abstraction.

Data extraction and management

Full text copies of all potentially relevant papers will be retrieved. Then, each study will be independently abstracted by two authors, one of which being Serge Djossa Adoun and the second randomly chosen among the other members of the research team. Primary authors of studies will be contacted by email for clarification if necessary.

A statistician, Merlin Njoya, will carry out the data analysis. With him, Serge Djossa Adoun and Marie‐Pierre Gagnon will be involved in the interpretation of the results.

Assessment of risk of bias in included studies

The quality of all eligible studies will be assessed independently by two authors using the respective quality criteria applied to randomized controlled trials, controlled before‐and‐after study, and interrupted time series described in the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (see details in Cochrane EPOC Group 2008 Guidance). Any discrepancies in quality ratings will be resolved by discussion and involvement of an arbitrator among other team members when necessary.

A data extraction protocol will be used to systematically assess studies. This protocol will provide insight on the effectiveness of ICT interventions for the promotion of SRH including prevention of HIV infection in adolescents and young adults and a wide range of conditions that might influence their acceptance, adoption, utilization and integration. Any discrepancies in ratings between the two reviewers of each study will be resolved by consensus involving a third member of the team as an arbitrator. If applicable, meta‐analysis will be used in order to provide a quantitative synthesis of the results.

On‐going studies identified will be described, where available, detailing the primary author, research question(s), methods and outcome measures together with an estimate of the reporting date.

 

Measures of treatment effect

Review Manager (RevMan) 5 will be used to report quantitative data. For RCTs, quasi‐RCTs and CBA studies, data will be analysed by determining the risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals for continuous data. For ITS, SMD in outcomes will be calculated before and after intervention delivery.  Precise p‐values will be derived for all comparisons, where possible. Included studies will be analysed to determine whether there are sufficiently similar in participant characteristics (e.g. age, gender), study design, type of intervention and outcome measurement to allow for a meta‐analysis of their combined data using a random‐effects model. If studies are too heterogeneous, a descriptive synthesis of included studies will be presented using a narrative summary along with extracted data in tables and figures.

Unit of analysis issues

In the case of studies that present unit of analysis errors (results are reported according to a unit that differs to the allocation unit), appropriate corrections will be done, if possible, by contacting primary authors to obtain missing information. If data are not available within the correct unit of analysis, results will be re‐assessed and a new p‐value will be estimated. If it is not possible to obtain appropriate data, only the effect size will be reported, without p‐value.

In order to account for incorrect analysis of included ITS studies, we will reanalyze ITS comparisons. Time series regression will be used to reanalyze each comparison (where possible). The best fit pre‐intervention and post‐intervention lines will be estimated using linear regression and autocorrelation adjusted for using the Cochrane‐Orcutt method where appropriate (Draper 1981). First order autocorrelation will be tested for statistically using the Durbin‐Watson statistic and higher order autocorrelations will be investigated using the autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation function.

 If cluster‐randomized controlled trials are included, unit of analysis will be checked for errors. If required and sufficient data are available we will recalculate the results using the appropriate unit of analysis (Higgins 2008).

Dealing with missing data

Where data are missing, we will attempt to contact study authors. An intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis will be conducted where possible; otherwise data will be analysed as reported. Loss to follow‐up information will be documented and assessed as a source of potential bias.

Assessment of heterogeneity

Where meta‐analysis is possible, statistical heterogeneity will be assessed between trials using the Chi2 statistic and I2 statistic (a Chi2 P value of less than 0.05 or an I2 value equal to or more than 50% will be considered to indicate substantial heterogeneity). If heterogeneity is identified, we will undertake subgroup analysis to investigate its possible sources. Besides, a meta‐regression will be conducted if there are enough studies to assess the effect of the possible sources of heterogeneity.

Assessment of reporting biases

We plan to explore publication bias graphically by using funnel plots and the Egger's test methods (Egger 1997) to formally test for the funnel plot asymmetry.

Data synthesis

The results for all types of comparisons will be presented using a standard method of presentation where possible. For RCTs, q‐RCTs, CBAs and ITS comparisons will be reported separately for each study design:

  • The number of comparisons showing a positive direction of effect

  • The median effect size across all comparisons

  • The median effect size across comparisons without unit of analysis errors

  • The number of comparisons showing statistically significant effects

Statistical methods proposed by Grimshaw and colleagues (Grimshaw 2004) will be used for guiding data analysis and presentation. In cases where there is insufficient data to calculate the mean effect sizes, study results will be presented in tabular form and a qualitative assessment of studies will be made, based upon the quality, the size and the direction of the effect observed and the statistical significance of the studies.

For each study, data will be reported in natural units (for instance, mean number of unprotected sexual relations reported). Where baseline results are available from RCT/q‐RCTs, CBAs, and ITS pre‐intervention and post‐intervention means or proportions will be reported for both study and control groups and the absolute change from baseline will be calculated (change in study group values minus change in control group values), and where possible, 95% confidence limits. When the baseline data is not available, results will be expressed as the relative percentage change (the difference between post‐intervention values in the study and control groups expressed as a percentage of post‐intervention values in the control group). Subgroups comparisons will be conducted where appropriate based upon recognized criteria (Laird 1990).

Included studies will be analysed to determine whether there are studies sufficiently similar in recipients’ characteristics (e.g. age group, gender, etc.), study design, type of intervention, environmental setting and outcome measurement to allow for a meta‐analysis of their combined data. If studies are too heterogeneous, a descriptive review of included studies will be presented using a narrative summary along with extracted data in tables and figures.

Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity

We anticipate that a substantial degree of heterogeneity will exist in the studies included.

If enough studies are found to justify subgroup analyses, the following subgroups could be investigated:

  • Study design;

  • Type of intervention (clinic‐based, school‐based, population‐based, community‐based, peer‐support, role‐play, tailored, targeted, theory‐based);

  • Recipients (gender (male, female), age (adolescents, young adults));

  • Type of technology (internet, computer, cell phone, Personal Digital Assistance, CD‐Rom, Interactive video, telemedicine/telehealth).

 We will visually explore the heterogeneity by preparing tables and bubble plots that represent group comparisons relative to each of these variables in relationship to the size of the effect. The rational for pooling different types of interventions is to determine the impact of heterogeneity among interventions rather than to estimate the effects of homogenous intervention, as is usually the case for a meta‐analysis (Kawamoto 2005).

Separate meta‐analyses will be conducted by type of outcome (attitude, intention, behavior, etc.). For outcomes measured at several times:

1)      We would first attempt to obtain individual data and perform an analysis that uses the whole follow‐up for each participant. Or, compute an effect measure for each individual participant which incorporates all time points, such as an overall mean.

2)      If individual data are not available, we would define several different outcomes, based on different periods of follow‐up, and to perform separate analyses. For example, time frames might be defined to reflect short‐term, medium‐term and long‐term follow‐up.

3)      Lastly, we could select a single time point and ana lyze only data at this time for studies in which it is presented. Ideally this should be a clinically important time point. It might also be chosen to maximize the data available.

Sensitivity analysis

If adequate data are available, sensitivity analyses will be performed to assess the effects of study quality (excluding studies identified as being of low methodological quality) on effect size.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all authors for their commitment

Appendices

Appendix 1. Table of Electronic databases relevant to public health and health promotion

Field Resources
Psychology PsycINFO/PsycLIT
Biomedical CINAHL, LILACS (Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature ‐ www.bireme.br/bvs/I/ibd.htm) Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SCOPUS
Sociology Sociofile, Sociological Abstracts, Social Science Citation Index, Social Policy and Practice.
Education ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), C2‐SPECTR (Campbell Collaboration Social, Psychological, Educational and Criminological Trials Register, www.campbellcollaboration.org), REEL (Research Evidence in Education Library, EPPI‐Centre, eppi.ioe.ac.uk.)
Transport NTIS (National Technical Information Service), TRIS (Transport Research Information Service, ntl.bts.gov/tris), IRRD (International Road Research Documentation), TRANSDOC (from ECMT, European Conference of Ministers of Transport)
Physical activity SportsDiscus
HP/PH BiblioMap, TRoPHI (Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions) and DoPHER (Database of Promoting Health Effectiveness Reviews) (EPPI‐Centre, eppi.ioe.ac.uk), Public Health Electronic Library (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,  www.nice.org.uk/guidance)
Database of abstracts of reviews of effectiveness (DARE)
Other Popline (population health, family planning) db.jhuccp.org/popinform/basic.html, Enviroline (environmental health) available on Dialog, Toxfile (toxicology) available on Dialog, Econlit (economics), NGC (National Guideline Clearinghouse, www.guideline.gov.)
Qualitative ESRC Qualitative Data Archival Resource Centre (QUALIDATA, www.qualidata.essex.ac.uk), Database of Interviews on Patient Experience (DIPEX, www.dipex.org)
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 Source:  Cochrane Handbook (Chapter 21:  Reviews in public health and health promotion. Editors: Rebecca Armstrong, Elizabeth Waters and Jodie Doyle).

Appendix 2. Search strategy PubMed (version 2010‐04‐29)

# Key concepts
#1 hiv Infections[mh] or HIV seropositivity[mh] or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome[mh] or HIV[tiab] or AIDS[tiab] or acquired immuno deficienc*[tiab]
#2 sexual behavior[mh] or sexual partners[mh] or reproductive behavior[mh] or contraception behavior[mh] or Contraception[mh] or contraceptive devices[mh] or circumcision, male[mh] or sexually transmitted diseases[mh] or contraception[tiab] or contraceptive*[tiab] or sexual*[tiab] or sex[tiab] or multiple partner*[mh] or condom[tiab] or condoms[tiab] or circumcision[tiab]
#3 computer systems[mh] or telecommunications[mh] or Information Services[mh] or medical records systems, Computerized[mh] or computer*[tiab] or communication network*[tiab] or internet[tiab] or web[tiab] or www[tiab] or telecommunication[tiab] or email[tiab] or electronic mail[tiab] or e‐mail[tiab] or cellular phone[tiab] or cell phone[tiab] or ict[tiab] or information communication technolog*[tiab] or telemedicine[tiab] or tele‐medicine[tiab] or telehealth[tiab] or tele‐health[tiab] or personal digital Assistant[tiab] or pda[tiab] or video*[tiab] or remote consultation*[tiab] or electronic health record*[tiab] OR electronic medical record*[tiab] OR electronic nursing record*[tiab] OR electronic patient record*[tiab] OR EHR[tiab] OR EMR[tiab] or informatics[tiab] or CD‐Rom[tiab]
#4 clinical trial[pt:noexp] or randomized controlled trial[pt] or controlled clinical trial[pt] or evaluation studies[pt] or comparative study[pt] or intervention studies[mh] or evaluation studies[mh:noexp] or program evaluation[mh:noexp] or random allocation[mh] or random*[tiab] or double blind*[tiab] or controlled trial*[tiab] or clinical trial*[tiab] or pretest*[tiab] or pre test*[tiab] or posttest*[tiab] or post test*[tiab] or prepost*[tiab] or pre post*[tiab] or controlled before*[tiab] or "before and after"[tiab] or interrupted time*[tiab] or time serie*[tiab] or intervention*[tiab]
#5 (#1 OR #2) AND #3 AND #4
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What's new

Date Event Description
2 February 2017 Amended This review is almost identical to another Cochrane review (Bailey 2010), the only major difference being that it focuses on a specific sub‐group (included in the other review). Therefore it adds very little new information. The protocol has therefore been withdrawn from The Cochrane Library.
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Contributions of authors

Djossa Adoun MAS led the writing of the protocol with contributions from Gagnon MP and Trembley N. Godin G, Gagnon H, Côté J, Miranda J, Ratté S, Njoya M and Ly BA reviewed the draft version.

Sources of support

Internal sources

  • No support supplied, Other.

External sources

  • No support, Other.

Declarations of interest

None

Notes

This review is almost identical to another Cochrane review (Bailey 2010), the only major difference being that it focuses on a specific sub‐group (included in the other review). Therefore it adds very little new information. The protocol has therefore been withdrawn from The Cochrane Library.

Withdrawn from publication for reasons stated in the review

References

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