Background
Cancer screening is vital for early detection and improved outcomes, but underserved populations face substantial barriers to participation, contributing to health inequities. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer potential to address these barriers by supporting tailored and accessible interventions. However, the mechanisms, contexts, and outcomes driving their effectiveness remain unclear.
Aim
This study aims to conduct a realist review to examine how, why, and under what circumstances mHealth interventions can enhance cancer screening uptake among underserved populations. The review will generate evidence to guide the design of effective, context-sensitive interventions.
Methods
A realist review approach will be employed, systematically exploring relevant literature across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data extraction will focus on context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations, including demographic characteristics, intervention features, and implementation contexts. Stakeholder input, including patients and healthcare providers, will inform the development and refinement of programme theories. These theories will be iteratively tested and synthesised to provide insights into the effectiveness of mHealth interventions.
Expected Outcomes
The review will identify the key contexts and mechanisms that enable or hinder the success of mHealth interventions in improving cancer screening participation among underserved populations. Findings will provide actionable recommendations for designing evidence-informed mHealth strategies, contributing to more inclusive and effective cancer screening programmes.