Mobile health (mHealth) has stood out as a tool to support care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), especially in adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), health education, and clinical management. The rapid expansion of digital technologies and the diversity of existing interventions justify the need to map these strategies. To map mHealth-based interventions aimed at supporting treatment adherence, health education, and clinical management of people living with HIV/AIDS. A scoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The research question was structured based on the PCC strategy: Population (PLHIV), Concept (mHealth), and Context (any setting). Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS databases, as well as app stores and patent repositories. Primary studies describing, developing, or evaluating digital interventions for PLHIV were included. A total of 3,692 records were identified. After removing duplicates and screening, eight studies were included. The interventions involved mobile applications, text messaging, and digital support platforms. The “+Adesão!” app showed improved adherence to ART, while “Trusted Doctor” strengthened the bond between users and healthcare professionals. The Brazilian Ministry of Health’s “Viva Bem” app demonstrated potential for integration with national systems, although lacking published scientific validation. Other tools such as “Liverpool HIV iChart” and “AIDSinfo” offered clinical support and guideline updates. Reported outcomes included therapeutic adherence, increased knowledge about the disease, and good user acceptance. Recurring limitations involved technological difficulties, digital literacy issues, and the need for customization. mHealth appears to be a promising tool in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in supporting therapeutic adherence and health education. Although results are encouraging, challenges remain regarding implementation, usability, and scientific validation. The findings provide a foundation for the development of new technologies and guide more effective and inclusive policies and clinical practices, especially in contexts of greater social and technological vulnerability.
Valle et al. (Sun,) studied this question.