Use of information and Communication Technologies to improve health literacy among pregnant women: A scoping review

Background: Health literacy is a key component of informed decision-making during pregnancy and is influenced by access to and interpretation of health information. This study aimed to map and analyze the available evidence on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) during pregnancy and their implications for obstetric nursing. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to JBI guidance and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. The initial searches were conducted in December ۲۰۲۳ and updated in May ۲۰۲۶, covering records indexed from database inception through May ۲۰۲۶ in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Controlled and uncontrolled terms based on MeSH, DeCS, and Emtree were used. Primary and secondary studies employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches were eligible, with no restrictions on language or publication period. The findings were synthesized descriptively and thematically. Results: Twenty-five studies were included. The evidence indicates that ICTs, including mobile applications, websites, and digital platforms, facilitate access to health information, promote self-care, and improve adherence to prenatal care. However, their effectiveness depends on three factors: digital literacy, information reliability, and integration into professional care. Barriers include digital inequality, low health literacy, information overload, cultural and linguistic limitations, and a lack of content regulation. Despite these challenges, benefits such as increased knowledge of warning signs, greater self-efficacy, and support for decision-making were observed. Conclusion: ICTs play an important role in supporting maternal care and strengthening health literacy during pregnancy. Their effective use depends on the interaction among digital literacy, information reliability, and professional mediation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pregnant Women ، Pregnancy ، Prenatal Care ، Antenatal Care ، Health Literacy ، EHealth ، Digital Health Literacy ، Information Technology