Mobile health strategies to improve HPV vaccination uptake among parents of adolescent girls: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a highly effective primary prevention strategy against cervical cancer. However, despite strong evidence of vaccine efficacy and safety, uptake among adolescent girls remains suboptimal globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as promising tools to address parental concerns, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and strengthen parental engagement in vaccination decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on the types of mHealth strategies implemented to improve HPV vaccine uptake among parents of adolescent girls and to examine the outcomes of these interventions.

METHODS

A systematic search of major databases identified studies evaluating mHealth interventions targeting parental decision-making regarding HPV vaccination. Eligible interventions included text messaging, mobile applications, chatbots, web-based educational platforms, and other digital health tools. Data were charted and synthesized narratively.

KEY FINDINGS: mHealth interventions were associated with significant improvements in HPV vaccine uptake across multiple settings. SMS-based interventions consistently increased vaccination rates, while chatbot, web-based, and mobile app interventions improved parental knowledge, vaccine literacy, intention to vaccinate, and, in several studies, actual vaccine uptake. However, intervention effectiveness varied by socioeconomic context, digital access, and cultural factors.

CONCLUSION

mHealth technologies represent cost-effective and scalable strategies to improve HPV vaccine uptake by enhancing parental knowledge, reducing hesitancy, and supporting informed decision-making. Future implementation should prioritize culturally tailored, equity-focused approaches and integrate digital interventions with community-based engagement to maximize impact.