Anticipated implications of eHealth technologies in LGBTMSM sexual and reproductive healthcare: Dual perspectives from providers and users
1
Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Healthcare facilities are expected to be the safest spaces to provide healthcare services for all individuals. However, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender women, and mem who have sex with sex (LGBTMSM) continue to experience challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and barriers in accessing healthcare services. The growing use of eHealth technologies, including web-based platforms and mHealth applications, presents opportunities to address these gaps. However, their successful integration depends on understanding both user and provider perspectives. Hence, this study aimed at exploring and describing the views of LGBTMSM and providers regarding the potential challenges and benefits of web-based tools and mHealth apps in LGBTMSM sexual-reproductive healthcare.
METHODS:
A qualitative explorative-descriptive design was followed. The study was conducted in two primary settings: seven selected government district hospitals in Gauteng province and one non-governmental organisation (NGO). A total of 55 participants were selected using purposive sampling, including 22 LGBTMSM and 33 providers. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis with NVivo software 15.
RESULTS:
Seven main themes emerged, including potential challenges and benefits. Challenges included expensive data and poor network, electrical power and load shedding issues, lack of access for non-smartphone users, and lack of access for LGBTMSM in remote areas. Benefits included improvement on privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity in LGBTMSM health, better planning, referrals, and professional support, and better communication via technology.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a high promise held by eHealth technologies to improve LGBTMSM sexual and reproductive healthcare. However, challenges such as data costs, connectivity issues, power interruptions, and unequal access to technology may hinder effectiveness. It is therefore vital to address these barriers to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation of eHealth interventions not only for LGBTMSM populations but for all potential and future mhealth innovations.
Healthcare facilities are expected to be the safest spaces to provide healthcare services for all individuals. However, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender women, and mem who have sex with sex (LGBTMSM) continue to experience challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and barriers in accessing healthcare services. The growing use of eHealth technologies, including web-based platforms and mHealth applications, presents opportunities to address these gaps. However, their successful integration depends on understanding both user and provider perspectives. Hence, this study aimed at exploring and describing the views of LGBTMSM and providers regarding the potential challenges and benefits of web-based tools and mHealth apps in LGBTMSM sexual-reproductive healthcare.
METHODS:
A qualitative explorative-descriptive design was followed. The study was conducted in two primary settings: seven selected government district hospitals in Gauteng province and one non-governmental organisation (NGO). A total of 55 participants were selected using purposive sampling, including 22 LGBTMSM and 33 providers. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis with NVivo software 15.
RESULTS:
Seven main themes emerged, including potential challenges and benefits. Challenges included expensive data and poor network, electrical power and load shedding issues, lack of access for non-smartphone users, and lack of access for LGBTMSM in remote areas. Benefits included improvement on privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity in LGBTMSM health, better planning, referrals, and professional support, and better communication via technology.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a high promise held by eHealth technologies to improve LGBTMSM sexual and reproductive healthcare. However, challenges such as data costs, connectivity issues, power interruptions, and unequal access to technology may hinder effectiveness. It is therefore vital to address these barriers to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation of eHealth interventions not only for LGBTMSM populations but for all potential and future mhealth innovations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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