Development of an mhealth App prototype for LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sexual and reproductive health in Gauteng Province, South Africa : design science research study
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JMIR Publications
Abstract
BACKGROUND : The fast rate of technological advances in the health care sector remain as a pressing need for effective solutions that address the unique health care needs of sexual and gender minorities. If these innovative solutions are considered, societal challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of tailored health care resources, as experienced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) individuals could be addressed at lower cost.
OBJECTIVE : This study aimed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) app specifically designed to address the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) individuals in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
METHODS : This study used a Design Science Research (DSR) framework and a mixed-method exploratory sequential approach. DSR was executed in three cycles: cycle one followed an ethnography approach; involved 33 health care providers (HCPs) and 22 LGBTQIA+ individuals, focusing on identifying specific SRH and the challenges encountered in accessing and providing these services. Participants shared their views on the potential role of mHealth apps in addressing these issues. Cycle two engaged 13 experts through Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to collaboratively identify essential content for the app, fostering a co-creation process. Lastly, cycle three followed an interventional pre-experimental approach by involving software developers and principal investigator working together to develop a functional prototype of the mHealth app.
RESULTS : This study revealed critical insights into the specific SRH of LGBTQIA+ individuals, alongside the barriers faced by health care providers in meeting these needs. The co-created app prototype named "Queery wellness hub" was developed and incorporated features tailored to enhance accessibility, confidentiality, and user engagement, addressing both user and provider perspectives.
CONCLUSIONS : The findings underscore the potential of mHealth apps in transforming the delivery of SRH for LGBTQIA+ individuals in South Africa. Continued collaboration with stakeholders is essential for further refinement and successful implementation of the app, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for sexual and gender minorities.
Description
DATA AVAILABILITY : Data supporting the study’s findings are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to SMUREC approval and participant confidentiality.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 1. Summary of cycle one demographic data and findings. This table summarizes the objectives, participant demographics, and key thematic findings from cycle one research data related to LGBTQIA+ sexual-reproductive healthcare. Combined overall summary of the cycle one details. All these findings were published in 2024, and references are given under each objective to avoid duplication. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 2. Summary of demographic data for both HCPs and LGBTQIA+ individuals in cycle 1. This table presents the demographic data collected from both groups of participants, including all the basic demographic information. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 3. Summary of cycle two demographic data and findings. Demographic characteristics of all consulted experts for mHealth App development. Experts identified the following pillars as crucial to the design and implementation of the mHealth app. Each pillar was ranked based on relevance, practicality, and user-centeredness. Similarly to cycle one, this cycle details are just a summary to orientate the reader of what led to cycle three development. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 4. Thematic Priorities for mHealth App Content. This includes all important contents that experts voted and ranked to be included in the mHealth prototype.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 1. Summary of cycle one demographic data and findings. This table summarizes the objectives, participant demographics, and key thematic findings from cycle one research data related to LGBTQIA+ sexual-reproductive healthcare. Combined overall summary of the cycle one details. All these findings were published in 2024, and references are given under each objective to avoid duplication. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 2. Summary of demographic data for both HCPs and LGBTQIA+ individuals in cycle 1. This table presents the demographic data collected from both groups of participants, including all the basic demographic information. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 3. Summary of cycle two demographic data and findings. Demographic characteristics of all consulted experts for mHealth App development. Experts identified the following pillars as crucial to the design and implementation of the mHealth app. Each pillar was ranked based on relevance, practicality, and user-centeredness. Similarly to cycle one, this cycle details are just a summary to orientate the reader of what led to cycle three development. MULTIMEDIA APPENDIX 4. Thematic Priorities for mHealth App Content. This includes all important contents that experts voted and ranked to be included in the mHealth prototype.
Keywords
mHealth app, Prototype, Sexual and reproductive health (SRH), Mobile health (mHealth), Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and others (LGBTIQA+)
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-03: Good health and well-being
Citation
Seretlo, R.J., Mokgatle, M.M., Smuts, H. et al. 2025, 'Development of an mhealth App prototype for LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sexual and reproductive health in Gauteng Province, South Africa : design science research study', JMIR Formative Research (JFR), vol. 9, art. e79593, pp. 1-18. DOI :10.2196/79593.