A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating digital health interventions for medication adherence in pediatric oncology found a pooled post-intervention objective adherence proportion of 76 percent (95% CI: 59%–87%; I2 = 76.0%), though investigators emphasized that this descriptive figure does not establish an intervention effect.

The review investigated the role of digital health interventions in addressing medication non-adherence, an issue that can compromise treatment outcomes in pediatric cancer care, by evaluating tools designed to support medication-taking behavior and related skills.

To identify relevant research, the study team searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through December 2025. Following the removal of 2,214 duplicate records, the authors screened 827 records and included nine reports in the review, extracting study characteristics and outcomes into a shared spreadsheet.

The investigators distinguished direct adherence outcomes from self-efficacy, knowledge, treatment intention, feasibility, and acceptability across the evaluated literature. In analyzing the evidence base, randomized between-group findings and uncontrolled observations were reported separately.

Quantitative syntheses applied random-effects models that were interpreted according to underlying study designs and measures. An exploratory within-intervention standardized mean-change synthesis across three studies produced an estimate of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.14–0.78; I2 = 84.0%), which was not interpreted as a single adherence effect because the underlying measurement methods differed.

The authors concluded that while digital health interventions may support medication adherence and related outcomes in pediatric oncology, the pooled post-intervention adherence proportion should not be interpreted as evidence of effectiveness. Marked heterogeneity across interventions, outcomes, and measurement methods warrants cautious interpretation of the current evidence.

Subject of Research: Digital health interventions for medication adherence in pediatric oncology

Article Title: Digital health interventions for medication adherence and adherence-related outcomes in pediatric oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Article References: Albargi, Y., Alahmadi, H. A., Alrayes, F., Jan, L. A. I., Abo Masamie, F. A., Alnashri, F. M. H., Alkhardawi, S. A., Alrajhi, N. N., & AlMutairi, A. (2026). Digital health interventions for medication adherence and adherence-related outcomes in pediatric oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Digital Health, 8, Article 1966573. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2026.1966573

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1966573

Keywords: pediatric oncology, medication adherence, digital health interventions, systematic review, meta-analysis, pediatric leukemia, health technology implementation, Digital, health, interventions, medication, adherence