Table 2 SWOT analysis of included studies

Strengths

Ease of use: A general concept that refers to the simplicity such as tracking physical activity and medication reminders

Collaboration: A spectrum of interactions to enhance healthcare services and improve patient outcomes

User-friendliness: A general concept that refers to clear, simple and quick access to information without unnecessary steps or confusion

Improve delivery of services: Offer easy appointment scheduling and reminders through mHealth intervention

Access to medical/health information at the point-of-care: To access up-to-date and comprehensive information to support clinical decision-making, diagnosis, and treatment

Familiarizing users with mobile phone services: To empower users with the knowledge and skills to effectively use their mobile phones

Real-time supervision and monitoring: The continuous, immediate, and remote tracking of patient data

Weaknesses

Local language: Limited to a specific language

Security concerns: Such as threats to sensitive healthcare information

Privacy concerns: Such as cancellation of authentication processes

Confidentiality concerns: Requiring strong user authentication methods, such as PINs, passwords, biometrics, or two-factor authentication

Increasing phone maintenance costs

High upfront set-up costs

Uncertainty on future changes of costs

Software may not be adaptable or flexible

Software may still subject to human error

Opportunities

Saving cost: Reducing the financial burden such as use of telemedicine services and remote monitoring

Saving time: Reducing administrative burdens such as appointment scheduling

Open source programs may support implementation of mHealth in low-resource settings

mHealth projects as an innovative method of data collection

Opportunities to be implemented in different national disease control programs

Decreasing communication gap between health workers, managers and patients

Threats

Need to mHealth literacy

Need to smartphone

Need to internet

Decreased motivation

The risk of mobile theft and loss

Added workload

Increasing anxiety

Increasing stress

Increasing concern/worry