A PRISMA-guided systematic review of 46 studies evaluated the types and effectiveness of digital health interventions (e.g., phone calls, SMS, apps) for diabetes management across Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) countries, searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to May 2025.
Phone calls and SMS were the most used tools. Digital interventions significantly improved HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, physical activity, medication adherence, and self-efficacy; however, effects on psychological outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety) were mixed across the 46 included studies.
- Most studies were from Iran and Saudi Arabia, limiting generalizability across all 22 EMRO countries. - Methodological quality varied; the EPHPP tool was used but heterogeneity in study designs may affect pooled conclusions. - No meta-analytic quantification of effect sizes was reported, making it hard to gauge the magnitude of benefit.
Phone-based outreach (calls and SMS) is a practical, low-tech strategy that can meaningfully improve glycemic control and self-care behaviors in patients with diabetes in resource-variable settings. Clinicians should not rely on these tools alone for psychological support, as evidence for mental health benefits remains inconsistent.
Explore related topics
