Mobile health management needs among infertile patients: a cross-sectional study based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model

Infertility imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on affected individuals. As mobile health (mHealth) tools become increasingly widespread, understanding the specific health management needs of infertile patients is essential for designing effective, patient-centered digital interventions. This study aimed to assess these needs and provide a foundation for future mHealth system development. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 at a women’s and children’s medical center in southwestern China. Infertile patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. A self-designed questionnaire, developed on the basis of the PRECEDE–PROCEED model, was used to assess patients’ mobile health management needs. Independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVAs and multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables and each of the 10 dimensions of mobile health management needs. A total of 319 infertile patients participated in the study. The most prominent mobile health management needs identified were medication guidance, followed by postoperative rehabilitation and disease-related knowledge. These needs varied according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple linear regression models showed that participants with a higher level of education demonstrated broader health management needs. This study identified that infertile patients have diverse mobile health management needs, with the most prominent being medication guidance and postoperative rehabilitation. Among various sociodemographic and clinical factors, education level emerged as the only consistent predictor of these needs across different dimensions. Patients with higher education level reported broader demands, likely due to greater health awareness and digital literacy. These findings highlight the importance of designing inclusive, education-sensitive mHealth interventions to ensure equitable access and engagement across diverse patient populations.