Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jun 24, 2025
Date Accepted: Oct 15, 2025
An mHealth app prototype for LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sexual and reproductive health in Gauteng Province, South Africa: A design science research study
ABSTRACT
Background:
The fast rate of technology advances in the healthcare sector remain pressing a need for effective solutions that address the unique healthcare needs of sexual and gender minorities. If these innovative solutions are taken into consideration, sexual and reproductive health challenges such as societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of tailored healthcare resources experienced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and plus (LGBTQIA+) individuals could be addressed at lesser cost.
Objective:
The study aimed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) specifically designed to address the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Methods:
The study employed a Design Science Research (DSR) framework, this study utilized a mixed-method exploratory sequential approach. DSR was executed in three cycles: cycle one; involved 33 healthcare 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 using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to collaboratively identify essential content for the app, fostering a co-creation process. Lastly, cycle three involved software developers and principal investigator working together to develop a functional prototype of the mHealth app.
Results:
The study revealed critical insights into the specific SRH of LGBTQIA+ individuals, alongside the barriers faced by healthcare 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.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. Additionally, the insights gained from this research can inform discussions at the conference, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities across the continent.
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. Additionally, the insights gained from this research can inform discussions at the conference, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities across the continent.
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Copyright
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