Archive \ Volume.16 2025 Issue 4

Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Interventions on Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Stefka Ivanova*✉ , Dobrina Tenev , Zhanina Pavlova , Plamen Zagorchev
  1. Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Abstract

Medication non-adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major contributor to poor glycaemic control and diabetes-related complications. Mobile applications offer a promising strategy to support adherence, yet evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This systematic review examines the impact of mobile app interventions on medication adherence among adults with T2DM. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. English-language studies published between 2013 and 2023 were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Seven clinical studies, comprising 717 participants (median age, 54.7 years), met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in medication adherence, although only four demonstrated statistically significant effects. Of these, three studies also observed significant reductions in HbA1c levels, indicating potential clinical benefit. Overall, study quality was generally high. Mobile applications show potential in enhancing medication adherence in adults with T2DM compared to standard care. However, the features driving these improvements remain unclear due to heterogeneity in study design and limited sample sizes. Future research should aim to identify key app components, optimize usability, and evaluate cost-effectiveness to maximize clinical outcomes.


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Vancouver
Ivanova S, Tenev D, Pavlova Z, Zagorchev P. Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Interventions on Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. Arch Pharm Pract. 2025;16(4):21-7. https://doi.org/10.51847/UhqbDvmsDV
APA
Ivanova, S., Tenev, D., Pavlova, Z., & Zagorchev, P. (2025). Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Interventions on Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. Archives of Pharmacy Practice, 16(4), 21-27. https://doi.org/10.51847/UhqbDvmsDV

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