JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hearing loss impacts approximately 432 million adults globally, with the deaf population representing a distinct linguistic and cultural minority that faces significant barriers in accessing health information. These challenges contribute to health disparities by limiting preventive education and timely health interventions.

Objective:

This scoping review examines the effectiveness of digital communication technologies in promoting health literacy, awareness, and health-related skills among deaf adults and children.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major databases; MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed focusing on peer-reviewed studies published in English within the past ten years. Seventeen studies were included, encompassing a variety of research designs, including randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional surveys, and mixed-methods approaches. Data extraction focused on intervention type, outcomes, and target populations.

Results:

Findings indicate that video-based interventions are the most prevalent and effective, leveraging sign language, subtitles, and animations to enhance accessibility and comprehension. These digital tools have improved health awareness, knowledge acquisition, and the practical application of health-related skills across both adult and child populations. Interventions ranged from stroke preparedness and cancer education to breast self-examination [BSE] and cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] training. Social media platforms, SMS campaigns, and eHealth programs were also identified as effective in promoting preventive health behaviors. Despite these promising outcomes, challenges remain, including limited digital literacy, inconsistent access to technology, and a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate content. Additionally, most studies were geographically concentrated in the United States, with a limited number of high-quality randomized trials.

Conclusions:

This review underscores the transformative potential of accessible digital technologies in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity among the deaf. Future research should prioritize inclusive, culturally sensitive, user-centered designs and explore emerging platforms to maximize engagement and health outcomes.