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Mesas Gómez M, Julián E, Armengou L, Pividori MI. Evaluating smartphone-based optical readouts for immunoassays in human and veterinary healthcare: A comparative study. Talanta 2024; 275:126106. [PMID: 38648687 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have significantly enhanced the use of smartphone devices for medical diagnostics. This study uses high-resolution cameras in mobile devices to capture and process bioassay images, enabling the quantification of diverse biomarkers across a range of diagnostic tests conducted on 96-well microplates. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this technology through protein quantification techniques and immunoassays that generate colorimetric responses at specific wavelengths. It includes the assessment of bicinchoninic acid and Bradford protein quantification methods, alongside a conventional immunoassay for detecting mare antibodies in colostrum to monitor foal immunodeficiencies. Further application involves the readout of magneto-actuated immunoassays aimed at quantifying bacteria. The results obtained from benchtop spectrophotometry at 595, 562, and 450 nm are compared with those acquired using a smartphone, which identified color intensities in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. This comparison yields promising correlations for the samples tested, suggesting a high degree of accuracy in the smartphone capability to analyze bioassay outcomes. The analysis via smartphone is facilitated by a specific app, which processes the images captured by the phone camera to quantify color intensities corresponding to different biomarker concentrations. Detection limits of 12.3 and 22.8 μg mL-1 for the bicinchoninic acid assay and 36.7 and 45.4 μg mL-1 for the Bradford are obtained for protein quantification using the spectrophotometer and the smartphone app, respectively. For mare's antibodies in colostrum, the values are 1.14 and 1.72 ng mL-1, while the detection of E. coli is performed at 2.0 x 104 and 2.9 × 104 CFU mL-1, respectively. This approach offers further advantages, including wide availability, cost-effectiveness, portability, compared to traditional and expensive benchtop instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Mesas Gómez
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Esther Julián
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lara Armengou
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Pividori
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Kirkwood EK, Khan J, Hasan MM, Iqbal A, Tahsina T, Huda T, Hoddinott JF, Laba TL, Muthayya S, Goodwin N, Islam M, Kingsley EA, Arifeen SE, Dibley MJ, Alam NA. Women's participation in household decision-making: Qualitative findings from the Shonjibon Trial in rural Bangladesh. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002907. [PMID: 38885288 PMCID: PMC11182512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
A key element of women's empowerment is the ability to participate in household decision-making. This study presents the qualitative results from the Shonjibon Cash and Counselling Trial baseline process evaluation with the aim of exploring the status of women's decision-making at the trial's outset and to facilitate the exploration of any changes in women's empowerment over the course of the trial. Between January and March 2021, we conducted forty-one in-depth interviews with pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. The research team translated, transcribed, coded, and discussed the interviews. We used thematic analysis to examine women's experience and perceptions on household decision-making. The key findings that emerged; women jointly participated in financial decision-making with their husbands; men made the final decision regarding seeking healthcare, and women solely made choices regarding infant and young child feeding. Our findings revealed that women felt that they needed to discuss their plans to go outside the house with their husbands, many perceived a lack of importance in the community towards women's participation in decision-making. This study documents current contextual information on the status of women's involvement in household decision-making and intrahousehold power dynamics at the start of the Shonjibon Cash and Counselling Trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Kirkwood
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jasmin Khan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrin Iqbal
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tazeen Tahsina
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Huda
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Frederick Hoddinott
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Tracey Lea Laba
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sumithra Muthayya
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Sax Institute, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Goodwin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Munirul Islam
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shams E. Arifeen
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Michael J. Dibley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neeloy Ashraful Alam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Kabukye JK, Namagembe R, Nakku J, Kiberu V, Sjölinder M, Nilsson S, Wamala-Larsson C. Implementing a Hospital Call Center Service for Mental Health in Uganda: User-Centered Design Approach. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e53976. [PMID: 38843515 PMCID: PMC11190627 DOI: 10.2196/53976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health conditions are a significant public health problem globally, responsible for >8 million deaths per year. In addition, they lead to lost productivity, exacerbate physical illness, and are associated with stigma and human rights violations. Uganda, like many low- and middle-income countries, faces a massive treatment gap for mental health conditions, and numerous sociocultural challenges exacerbate the burden of mental health conditions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the development and formative evaluation of a digital health intervention for improving access to mental health care in Uganda. METHODS This qualitative study used user-centered design and design science research principles. Stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, mental health care providers, and implementation experts (N=65), participated in focus group discussions in which we explored participants' experience of mental illness and mental health care, experience with digital interventions, and opinions about a proposed digital mental health service. Data were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to derive requirements for the digital solution, which was iteratively cocreated with users and piloted. RESULTS Several challenges were identified, including a severe shortage of mental health facilities, unmet mental health information needs, heavy burden of caregiving, financial challenges, stigma, and negative beliefs related to mental health. Participants' enthusiasm about digital solutions as a feasible, acceptable, and convenient method for accessing mental health services was also revealed, along with recommendations to make the service user-friendly, affordable, and available 24×7 and to ensure anonymity. A hospital call center service was developed to provide mental health information and advice in 2 languages through interactive voice response and live calls with health care professionals and peer support workers (recovering patients). In the 4 months after launch, 456 calls, from 236 unique numbers, were made to the system, of which 99 (21.7%) calls went to voicemails (out-of-office hours). Of the remaining 357 calls, 80 (22.4%) calls stopped at the interactive voice response, 231 (64.7%) calls were answered by call agents, and 22 (6.2%) calls were not answered. User feedback was positive, with callers appreciating the inclusion of peer support workers who share their recovery journeys. However, some participant recommendations (eg, adding video call options) or individualized needs (eg, prescriptions) could not be accommodated due to resource limitations or technical feasibility. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a systematic and theory-driven approach to developing contextually appropriate digital solutions for improving mental health care in Uganda and similar contexts. The positive reception of the implemented service underscores its potential impact. Future research should address the identified limitations and evaluate clinical outcomes of long-term adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnblack K Kabukye
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosemary Namagembe
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute of Uganda, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet Nakku
- Butabika National Referral and Teaching Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vincent Kiberu
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Susanne Nilsson
- Unit for Integrated Product Development and Design, Department of Machine Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Wamala-Larsson
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ameyaw EK, Amoah PA, Ezezika O. Effectiveness of mHealth Apps for Maternal Health Care Delivery: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e49510. [PMID: 38810250 PMCID: PMC11170050 DOI: 10.2196/49510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps or interventions has increased. Robust synthesis of existing systematic reviews on mHealth apps may offer useful insights to guide maternal health clinicians and policy makers. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness or impact of mHealth apps on maternal health care delivery globally. METHODS We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), MEDLINE or PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using a predeveloped search strategy. The quality of the reviews was independently assessed by 3 reviewers, while study selection was done by 2 independent raters. We presented a narrative synthesis of the findings, highlighting the specific mHealth apps, where they are implemented, and their effectiveness or outcomes toward various maternal conditions. RESULTS A total of 2527 documents were retrieved, out of which 16 documents were included in the review. Most mHealth apps were implemented by sending SMS text messages with mobile phones. mHealth interventions were most effective in 5 areas: maternal anxiety and depression, diabetes in pregnancy, gestational weight management, maternal health care use, behavioral modification toward smoking cessation, and controlling substance use during pregnancy. We noted that mHealth interventions for maternal health care are skewed toward high-income countries (13/16, 81%). CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of mHealth apps for maternity health care has drawn attention in research and practice recently. The study showed that research on mHealth apps and their use dominate in high-income countries. As a result, it is imperative that low- and middle-income countries intensify their commitment to these apps for maternal health care, in terms of use and research. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022365179; https://tinyurl.com/e5yxyx77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Padmore Adusei Amoah
- Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Department of Psychology, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Obidimma Ezezika
- Global Health & Innovation Lab, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Morgan AK, Katey D, Asori M, Nachibi SU, Onyina E, Quartey T, Cobbold J, Aziire MA. 'Digitising health protection schemes in Ghana': An enquiry into factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health insurance contribution payment system among tertiary students. Health Serv Insights 2024; 17:11786329241232255. [PMID: 38357222 PMCID: PMC10865941 DOI: 10.1177/11786329241232255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2018, Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) introduced a mobile money payment system for membership renewal and premium payments to enhance enrolment and retention rates. However, the adoption of such innovations depends on various factors, including personal traits and public perceptions. This study aims to explore the determinants of NHIS membership renewal and premium payment via the mobile renewal system. Conducted at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, the study used a survey design to gather data from 951 KNUST students. Employing logistic regression analysis, the study identified key factors influencing the use of the NHIS mobile renewal service. The findings revealed that individuals aged 19-21, 25-27 or above 27, without mobile money accounts, and those with no history of online purchases were less likely to adopt the mobile renewal system (P < .05). Conversely, those perceiving the system as useful and easy to use were more likely to utilise it for NHIS membership renewal (P < .05). In conclusion, policymakers should prioritise system quality, accessibility, perceived ease of use, and usefulness to facilitate the adoption and usage of the NHIS mobile payment system. These findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of health insurance innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kwame Morgan
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Katey
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Moses Asori
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | - Ellen Onyina
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Theophilus Quartey
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Justin Cobbold
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Modesta Akipase Aziire
- Department of Development Management and Governance, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Bamahu-Wa, Ghana
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Buja A, Lo Bue R, Mariotti F, Miatton A, Zampieri C, Leone G. Promotion of Physical Activity Among University Students With Social Media Or Text Messaging: A Systematic Review. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241248131. [PMID: 38742671 PMCID: PMC11095173 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241248131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Regular physical exercise lowers the risk of all-cause mortality and various chronic diseases. New technologies, such as smartphones and social media, have been used successfully as health promotion tools in college populations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of interventions that used modern technologies, as with social media or text messaging, to promote physical activity or reducing sedentary behavior in college students. The systematic review was conducted on the PubMed and SCOPUS databases, considering studies published from 2012 to 2022. For a total of 19 articles selected, an evidence table was drawn up, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the PRISMA checklist. The interventions differed enormously in design, from the strategies implemented to the types of outcome considered. Fifteen of the 19 studies demonstrated an improvement in participants' physical activity levels, 3 studies found no such improvement, and 1 reported a worsening of baseline activity levels. Interventions to improve college students' physical activity levels through the use of social media and/or text messaging tend to be effective. However, many factors can influence the effectiveness of such interventions. For example, a gender-related difference emerged in student participation, and the interventions proved more effective if they were accompanied by the creation of social groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Buja
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Lo Bue
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Mariotti
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Miatton
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Zampieri
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Leone
- Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Ilkic J, Milosevic Georgiev A, Lakic D, Marinkovic V. Exploring experiences of pharmacists and pharmacy students using mHealth apps: A qualitative study of user experience. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2245606. [PMID: 37563837 PMCID: PMC10424590 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2245606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pharmacists can enhance mHealth delivery by promoting the awareness and use of health apps, while pharmacy students and early career pharmacists allow broader perspective for further development. This study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of pharmacy students and pharmacists, on the use, advantages and possible improvement of available mHealth platforms in Serbia. METHODS One-on-one interviews were conducted online in two phases, during March and April 2020 (n = 40) and during March 2021 (n = 20), using a published, validated interview guide which was adapted for this study. Interviews were transcribed ad verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. RESULTS Although participants recognized room for optimization, most apps had satisfactory user experience. Participants used health apps as a source of updated information and tools in education and work, but also for self-development. During working hours, participants mostly used medication-related apps, however, it was shown that they use different health apps in order to provide the best possible care to patients. CONCLUSIONS Greater insight into usage, expectations, benefits and challenges of mHealth in pharmacy was obtained and can lead into better informed design of health apps to encourage students and pharmacists, both as professionals and individuals, on the path of their continuous improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Ilkic
- Student at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Milosevic Georgiev
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Teaching Assistant with PhD at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Lakic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- At Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Valentina Marinkovic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Full Professor and Head of the Department at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Amos V, LeBaron V, Chuong T, Elmore CE, Hamal PK, Paudel BD, Steen A, Chapagain S. Co-constructing collaboration: An evidence-based approach to advance and evaluate equitable global public health research partnerships. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002481. [PMID: 37871002 PMCID: PMC10593218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Equitable global health partnerships are essential to promote innovative research and strengthen research capacity to address critical public health challenges, but how to optimally evaluate such collaborations is unclear. This was a sequential, multi-method study that utilized an electronic survey informed by the literature followed by semi-structured interviews to comprehensively evaluate the experience of participating in a global research-capacity building collaboration between Nepal and U.S. clinicians and investigators. De-identified quantitative survey were analyzed to calculate descriptive and summary statistics, along with crosstabs of each variable by group. Groups were defined based on country-of-origin and Chi Square statistics calculated to assess for statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between groups. Interviews were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach to develop an overall thematic map. 22 survey responses (52.4% response rate) were analyzed; 13 (59.1%) from Nepal, 9 (40.9%) from the U.S. Eight participants (4 Nepal; 4 U.S.) were interviewed. Over the course of the project, all participants reported gaining experience and confidence with research. The majority of participants "strongly agreed" there was a shared understanding of goals, priorities and strategies (Nepal, 58.3%, n = 7; U.S., 88.9%, n = 8;) and that power was shared equally (Nepal, 58.3%, n = 7; U.S., 55.6%, n = 5). The over-arching theme that emerged from the interviews was the importance of 'establishing community' which participants discussed within the broader context of COVID-19. Overall, team members reported strong bi-directional benefit and a greater emphasis on perceived benefits versus challenges. Our survey tool and interview guide, designed to holistically evaluate the impact of a global partnership across various levels of the Social Ecological Model, with particular attention to power dynamics and equity, can be adapted and used by others engaged in similar research capacity collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Amos
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tuyet Chuong
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Catherine E. Elmore
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Pawan Kumar Hamal
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, National Trauma Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bishnu D. Paudel
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Amber Steen
- University of Virginia, Center for Global Health Equity, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sandhya Chapagain
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Pestell CF, Glasson EJ. Neurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: a study using remote self-administered testing. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:513-536. [PMID: 37779193 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2259042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. METHODS Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88 years, range 11-27 years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15 months. RESULTS NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15 months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualized prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Onyeaka HK, Muoghalu C, Deary EC, Ajayi KV, Kyeremeh E, Dosunmu TG, Jawla M, Onaku E, Nwani SP, Asante KO, Amonoo HL. The Role of Health Information Technology in Improving Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Adults. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:886-895. [PMID: 36394492 PMCID: PMC10277992 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cancer-causing HPV infections and cervical precancers, there is suboptimal awareness and limited global accessibility of HPV and HPV vaccine. Emerging evidence suggests that health information technology (HIT) may influence HPV-related awareness and improve vaccine adoption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the link between HIT and HPV-related awareness Methods: Data were obtained from 1,866 U.S. adults aged 18-45 years who completed the 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Results: Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine were 72.7% and 67.5%, respectively. Participants who used electronic means to look up health information (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.05; p = 0.001), communicate with health care provider (aOR = 1.68; p = 0.026), look up test results (aOR = 1.94; p = 0.005), and track health costs (aOR = 1.65; p = 0.04) were more likely to report HPV awareness than those who did not. Participants who used an electronic device to look up health information (aOR = 3.10; p = 0.003), communicate with clinicians (aOR = 1.72; p = 0.008), look up test results (aOR = 1.63; p = 0.021), and track health care charges (aOR = 1.90; p = 0.006) were more likely to report HPV vaccine awareness than those who did not. Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings suggest a positive association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Given the rapid and exponential increase in mobile technology access globally, these results are encouraging and offer a potential opportunity to leverage digital technology in primary cancer prevention for HPV-related cancers, especially in low- and middle-income countries with unsophisticated health infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry K. Onyeaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chioma Muoghalu
- Department of Clinical Informatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Presbyterian Hospital, Clovis, New Mexico, USA
| | - Emma C. Deary
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kobi V. Ajayi
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Laboratory of Community Health Evaluation Science and Systems (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Emmanuel Kyeremeh
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Muhammed Jawla
- Department of Epidemiology, Louisiana State University School of Health Sciences, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Somtochi P Nwani
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Hermioni L. Amonoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Takuwa M, Mbabazi SE, Tusabe M, Mulindwa B, Makobore PN, Mulerwa M, Kansiime EC, Birungi DM, Reboud J, Cooper JM, Ssekitoleko RT. Mobile Health Access and Utilisation in Uganda: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Health and Veterinary Workers. Telemed J E Health 2023. [PMID: 36779974 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite its strong growth in many parts of the world, mobile health access is still limited in low- and middle-income countries. Among the many factors restricting implementation are the lack of information security, insufficient evidence base, low sensitization, and user acceptance. Limited evidence has been obtained on current practices, perceptions, and user acceptability in such settings. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions on mobile health use among health workers and veterinary officers in Uganda. Materials and Methods: A cross-section study was carried out, targeting health practitioners in both hospitals and veterinary laboratories/clinics. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western representative regions. Interviews with selected health workers were also conducted as well as a focused group discussion. Results: Of the 120 health practitioners that were targeted, a total of 80 health workers and 7 veterinary practitioners participated in the study of which 46% were men and 54% women. Majority of the health workers had encountered m-health but had never used it, whereas the 15 practitioners who had used it before the survey did not use it for disease diagnosis in hospitals but used it for ordering medicine online, for patient consultations with the doctors, result interpretation, tracking women menstrual cycles, tuberculosis assessment. Discussion and Conclusion: Participants expressed significant interest in mobile health as it addresses key challenges including challenges with management of patient data, and long patient queues, which would ultimately improve service delivery. However, there is some skepticism about access as many rural facilities lack access to smartphones and stable internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Takuwa
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Martha Tusabe
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Diagnostics and Lab Services Division, World Health Organisation, WHO AFRO, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benedict Mulindwa
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Martha Mulerwa
- Case Management Division, World Health Organisation, WHO AFRO, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Julien Reboud
- James Watt School of Engineering, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Cooper
- James Watt School of Engineering, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert T Ssekitoleko
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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12
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Groen G, Jörns-Presentati A, Dessauvagie A, Seedat S, van den Heuvel LL, Suliman S, Grobler G, Jansen R, Mwape L, Mukwato P, Chapima F, Korhonen J, Stein DJ, Jonker D, Mudenda J, Turunen T, Valtiņš K, Beinaroviča A, Grada L, Lahti M. Development of a Mobile Application for Detection of Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Feasibility Assessment with Primary Health Care Workers. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:1046-1055. [PMID: 36205922 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2124003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: There has been a sharp increase in the use of digital health interventions in global health, particularly mobile health applications, in recent years. The extreme shortage of health care providers trained in mental health screening and intervention in low- and middle-income countries raises questions about the applicability of mobile applications to deliver these services due to their accessibility and availability. This exploratory paper describes the development and feasibility assessment of a mobile screening application for the detection of mental disorders among adolescents in Zambia and South Africa. Methods: Eighty-two health care workers (HCW) working in primary care evaluated the acceptability and practicality of the mobile screening application after receiving brief training. The evaluation included questions from the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) as well as open-ended questions. Results: The acceptability of the screening app was high and study participants were positive about using the app in routine care. Problems with internet connectivity, and time and staff constraints were perceived as the main barriers to regular use. Conclusion: HCW in primary care were able and willing to use a mobile screening app for the detection of mental health problems among treatment-seeking adolescents. Implementation in clinical practice needs to be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Groen
- Department of Social Work, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Anja Dessauvagie
- Department of Social Work, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch, University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leigh L van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch, University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharain Suliman
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch, University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Grobler
- Clinical Unit, Psychiatry, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Jansen
- School of Nursing, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Lonia Mwape
- Department of Nursing, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Fabian Chapima
- Department of Nursing, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joonas Korhonen
- Nursing Science Department, Health and Well-being, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Dan J Stein
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deborah Jonker
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John Mudenda
- Medical Education, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mari Lahti
- Nursing Science Department, Health and Well-being, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland.,Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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13
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Maphosa V. Delivering a Drug Information App to Underserved Communities: A User-Centered Design Approach. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1097198x.2022.2132086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vusumuzi Maphosa
- Department of Information Communication and Technology Services, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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14
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Jembai JVJ, Wong YLC, Bakhtiar NAMA, Lazim SNM, Ling HS, Kuan PX, Chua PF. Mobile health applications: awareness, attitudes, and practices among medical students in Malaysia. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:544. [PMID: 35836223 PMCID: PMC9282901 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The popularity of mobile health (mHealth) applications (or apps) in the field of health and medical education is rapidly increasing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, practices, and factors associated with the mHealth app usage among medical students. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical students at a government university in Sarawak, Malaysia, from February to April 2021. Validated questionnaires were administered to all consenting students. These questionnaires included questions on basic demographic information as well as awareness, attitude toward, and practices with mHealth apps concerned with medical education, health and fitness, and COVID-19 management. RESULTS Respondents had favorable attitudes toward mHealth apps (medical education [61.8%], health and fitness [76.3%], and COVID-19 management [82.7%]). Respondents' mean attitude scores were four out of five for all three app categories. However, respondents used COVID-19 management apps more frequently (73.5%) than those for medical education (35.7%) and fitness (39.0%). Usage of all three app categories was significantly associated with the respondent's awareness and attitude. Respondents in the top 20% in term of household income and study duration were more likely to use medical education apps. The number of respondents who used COVID-19 apps was higher in the top 20% household income group than in the other income groups. The most common barrier to the use of apps was uncertainty regarding the most suitable apps to choose. CONCLUSION Our study highlighted a discrepancy between awareness of mHealth apps and positive attitudes toward them and their use. Recognition of barriers to using mHealth apps by relevant authorities may be necessary to increase the usage of these apps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Lin Charlene Wong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Saramahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | | | - Siti Nursuraya Md Lazim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Saramahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Hwei Sung Ling
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Saramahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Pei Xuan Kuan
- Digital Health Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Pin Fen Chua
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Saramahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
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15
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Patil SR, Nimmagadda S, Gopalakrishnan L, Avula R, Bajaj S, Diamond-Smith N, Paul A, Fernald L, Menon P, Walker D. Can digitally enabling community health and nutrition workers improve services delivery to pregnant women and mothers of infants? Quasi-experimental evidence from a national-scale nutrition programme in India. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 6:bmjgh-2021-007298. [PMID: 35835476 PMCID: PMC9296874 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background India’s 1.4 million community health and nutrition workers (CHNWs) serve 158 million beneficiaries under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme. We assessed the impact of a data capture, decision support, and job-aid mobile app for the CHNWs on two primary outcomes—(1) timeliness of home visits and (2) appropriate counselling specific to the needs of pregnant women and mothers of children <12 months. Methods We used a quasi-experimental pair-matched controlled trial using repeated cross-sectional surveys to evaluate the intervention in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh (MP) separately using an intention-to-treat analysis. The study was powered to detect difference of 5–9 percentage points (pp) with type I error of 0.05 and type II error of 0.20 with endline sample of 6635 mothers of children <12 months and 2398 pregnant women from a panel of 841 villages. Results Among pregnant women and mothers of children <12 months, recall of counselling specific to the trimester of pregnancy or age of the child as per ICDS guidelines was higher in both MP (11.5pp (95% CI 7.0pp to 16.0pp)) and Bihar (8.0pp (95% CI 5.3pp to 10.7pp)). Significant differences were observed in the proportion of mothers of children <12 months receiving adequate number of home visits as per ICDS guidelines (MP 8.3pp (95% CI 4.1pp to 12.5pp), Bihar: 7.9pp (95% CI 4.1pp to 11.6pp)). Coverage of children receiving growth monitoring increased in Bihar (22pp (95% CI 0.18 to 0.25)), but not in MP. No effects were observed on infant and young child feeding practices. Conclusion The at-scale app integrated with ICDS improved provision of services under the purview of CHNWs but not those that depended on systemic factors, and was relatively more effective when baseline levels of services were low. Overall, digitally enabling CHNWs can complement but not substitute efforts for strengthening health systems and addressing structural barriers. Trial registration number ISRCTN83902145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet R Patil
- Center for Causal Research and Evaluations, NEERMAN, Mumbai, India
| | - Sneha Nimmagadda
- Center for Causal Research and Evaluations, NEERMAN, Mumbai, India
- Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Rasmi Avula
- International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumati Bajaj
- International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Nadia Diamond-Smith
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anshuman Paul
- Center for Causal Research and Evaluations, NEERMAN, Mumbai, India
| | - Lia Fernald
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Purnima Menon
- International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Dilys Walker
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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16
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Venkataramanan R, Pradhan A, Kumar A, Purushotham A, Alajlani M, Arvanitis TN. Digital Inequalities in Cancer Care Delivery in India: An Overview of the Current Landscape and Recommendations for Large-Scale Adoption. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:916342. [PMID: 35832659 PMCID: PMC9272889 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.916342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to delivery of various cancer care services as efforts were put to control the outbreak of the pandemic. Although the pandemic has highlighted the inadequacies of the system but has also led to emergence of a new cancer care delivery model which relies heavily on digital mediums. Digital health is not only restricted to virtual dissemination of information and consultation but has provided additional benefits ranging from support to cancer screening, early and more accurate diagnosis to increasing access to specialized care. This paper evaluates the challenges in the adoption of digital technologies to deliver cancer care services and provides recommendation for large-scale adoption in the Indian healthcare context. Methods We performed a search of PubMed and Google Scholar for numerous terms related to adoption of digital health technologies for cancer care during pandemic. We also analyze various socio-ecological challenges—from individual to community, provider and systematic level—for digital adoption of cancer care service which have existed prior to pandemic and lead to digital inequalities. Results Despite encouraging benefits accruing from the adoption of digital health key challenges remain for large scale adoption. With respect to user the socio-economic characteristics such as age, literacy and socio-cultural norms are the major barriers. The key challenges faced by providers include regulatory issues, data security and the inconvenience associated with transition to a new system. Policy Summary For equitable digital healthcare, the need is to have a participatory approach of all stakeholders and urgently addressing the digital divide adequately. Sharing of health data of public and private hospitals, within the framework of the Indian regulations and Data Protection Act, is critical to the development of digital health in India and it can go a long way in better forecasting and managing cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Venkataramanan
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Research Division, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, India
- *Correspondence: Ramachandran Venkataramanan
| | - Akash Pradhan
- Research Division, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, India
- Akash Pradhan
| | | | - Arnie Purushotham
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohannad Alajlani
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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17
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Nkurunziza T, Riviello R, Kateera F, Nihiwacu E, Nkurunziza J, Gruendl M, Klug SJ, Hedt-Gauthier B. Enablers and barriers to post-discharge follow-up among women who have undergone a caesarean section: experiences from a prospective cohort in rural Rwanda. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:733. [PMID: 35655212 PMCID: PMC9160515 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caesarean sections account for roughly one third of all surgical procedures performed in low-income countries. Due to lack of standardised post-discharge follow-up protocols and practices, most of available data are extracted from clinical charts during hospitalization and are thus sub-optimal for answering post-discharge outcomes questions. This study aims to determine enablers and barriers to returning to the hospital after discharge among women who have undergone a c-section at a rural district hospital in Rwanda. Methods Women aged ≥ 18 years who underwent c-section at Kirehe District Hospital in rural Rwanda in the period March to October 2017 were prospectively followed. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants and clinical data were extracted from medical files between March and October 2017. At discharge, consenting women were given an appointment to return for follow-up on postoperative day 10 (POD 10) (± 3 days) and provided a voucher to cover transport and compensation for participation to be redeemed on their return. Study participants received a reminder call on the eve of their scheduled appointment. We used a backward stepwise logistic regression, at an α = 0.05 significance level, to identify enablers and barriers associated with post-discharge follow-up return. Results Of 586 study participants, the majority (62.6%) were between 21–30 years old and 86.4% had a phone contact number. Of those eligible, 90.4% returned for follow-up. The predictors of return were counselling by a female data collector (OR = 9.85, 95%CI:1.43–37.59) and receiving a reminder call (OR = 16.47, 95%CI:7.07–38.38). Having no insurance reduced the odds of returning to follow-up (OR = 0.03, 95%CI:0.03–0.23), and those who spent more than 10.6 Euro for transport to and from the hospital were less likely to return to follow-up (OR = 0.14, 95%CI:0.04- 0.50). Conclusion mHealh interventions using calls or notifications can increase the post-discharge follow-up uptake. The reminder calls to patients and discharge counselling by a gender-matching provider had a positive effect on return to care. Further interventions are needed targeting the uninsured and patients facing transportation hardship. Additionally, association between counselling of women patients by a female data collector and greater return to follow-up needs further exploration to optimize counselling procedures. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08137-5.
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18
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Yeh PT, Rhee DK, Kennedy CE, Zera CA, Lucido B, Tunçalp Ö, Gomez Ponce de Leon R, Narasimhan M. Self-monitoring of blood pressure among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:454. [PMID: 35641913 PMCID: PMC9152837 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) for hypertension management. In addition, during the COVID-19 response, WHO guidance also recommends SMBP supported by health workers although more evidence is needed on whether SMBP of pregnant individuals with hypertension (gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, or pre-eclampsia) may assist in early detection of pre-eclampsia, increase end-user autonomy and empowerment, and reduce health system burden. To expand the evidence base for WHO guideline on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of SMBP during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS We searched for publications that compared SMBP with clinic-based monitoring during antenatal care. We included studies measuring any of the following outcomes: maternal mortality, pre-eclampsia, long-term risk and complications, autonomy, HELLP syndrome, C-section, antenatal hospital admission, adverse pregnancy outcomes, device-related issues, follow-up care with appropriate management, mental health and well-being, social harms, stillbirth or perinatal death, birthweight/size for gestational age, and Apgar score. After abstract screening and full-text review, we extracted data using standardized forms and summarized findings. We also reviewed studies assessing values and preferences as well as costs of SMBP. RESULTS We identified 6 studies meeting inclusion criteria for the effectiveness of SMBP, 6 studies on values and preferences, and 1 study on costs. All were from high-income countries. Overall, when comparing SMBP with clinic-monitoring, there was no difference in the risks for most of the outcomes for which data were available, though there was some evidence of increased risk of C-section among pregnant women with chronic hypertension. Most end-users and providers supported SMBP, motivated by ease of use, convenience, self-empowerment and reduced anxiety. One study found SMBP would lower health sector costs. CONCLUSION Limited evidence suggests that SMBP during pregnancy is feasible and acceptable, and generally associated with maternal and neonatal health outcomes similar to clinic-based monitoring. However, more research is needed in resource-limited settings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021233839 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dong Keun Rhee
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin Elizabeth Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chloe A Zera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Briana Lucido
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction - HRP, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Özge Tunçalp
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction - HRP, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | | | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction - HRP, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland.
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19
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Mutebi M, Dehar N, Nogueira LM, Shi K, Yabroff KR, Gyawali B. Cancer Groundshot: Building a Robust Cancer Control Platform in Addition To Launching the Cancer Moonshot. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35561297 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_359521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Groundshot is a philosophy that calls for prioritization of strategies in global cancer control. The underlying principle of Cancer Groundshot is that one must ensure access to interventions that are already proven to work before focusing on the development of new interventions. In this article, we discuss the philosophy of Cancer Groundshot as it pertains to priorities in cancer care and research in low- and middle-income countries and the utility of technology in addressing global cancer disparities; we also address disparities seen in high-income countries. The oncology community needs to realign our priorities and focus on improving access to high-value cancer control strategies, rather than allocating resources primarily to the development of technologies that provide only marginal gains at a high cost. There are several "low-hanging fruit" actions that will improve access to quality cancer care in low- and middle-income countries and in high-income countries. Worldwide, cancer morbidity and mortality can be averted by implementing highly effective, low-cost interventions that are already known to work, rather than investing in the development of resource-intensive interventions to which most patients will not have access (i.e., we can use Cancer Groundshot to first save more lives before we focus on the "moonshots").
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mutebi
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Navdeep Dehar
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leticia M Nogueira
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kewei Shi
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bishal Gyawali
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Talebi E, Mohaddesi H, Vahabzadeh D, Rasuli J. Examination of influence of social media education through mobile phones on the change in physical activity and sedentary behavior in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:152. [PMID: 35538523 PMCID: PMC9092843 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01725-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nowadays because of some necessities and demands for virtual and remote education, a new model of health approach through mobile-phones is widely used to deal with improving physical activity and its beneficial effect on pregnancy. There are a small number of studies for showing this importance and the efficacy of such methods, so this study was aimed to determine the influence of social networking through mobile phones on changing the physical activity behavior in pregnant women. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted with parallel groups on 90 pregnant women referring to Urmia health centers in 2018–2019. The participants from various social and economic backgrounds were included. The participants were randomly assigned to a control and a treatment group. Demographic and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) questionnaires were filled. In addition to routine cares, the treatment group received educational intervention through social network within 16 training sessions related to physical activity and nutrition in 8 weeks. Results The mean weight in both control and treatment groups changed significantly during the study, but in different trends (P < 0.001, Mean Difference (MD) = 4.43). At the beginning of the study, control and treatment groups were not different in terms of daily physical activity level (P = 0.17, MD = 0.62), meanwhile, there was a statistically significant difference at the end of intervention in the level of daily physical activity (P < 0.001, MD = 0.69). Comparison of both groups, based on different categories of activity level at the end of the treatment, showed a non-significant difference in sedentary activities (P = 0.89, MD = 0.46), but the intervention led to a significant difference based on the other level of activities; light (P < 0.001, MD = 51.94), moderate (P < 0.001, MD = 46.87), and sever (P = 0.05, MD = 1.07). Conclusion Educational intervention based on social networks through mobile phones had an effective role in behavior change in physical activity during pregnancy. Trial registration IRCT20151004024340N15, Registration date05/06/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfaneh Talebi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamideh Mohaddesi
- Non Communicable Disease Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Davoud Vahabzadeh
- Non Communicable Disease Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. .,Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Javad Rasuli
- Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Mokaya M, Kyallo F, Vangoitsenhoven R, Matthys C. Clinical and patient-centered implementation outcomes of mHealth interventions for type 2 diabetes in low-and-middle income countries: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:1. [PMID: 34991593 PMCID: PMC8734304 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes is rising in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), affecting all age categories and resulting in huge socioeconomic implications. Mobile health (mHealth) is a potential high-impact approach to improve clinical and patient-centered outcomes despite the barriers of cost, language, literacy, and internet connectivity. Therefore, it is valuable to examine the clinical and implementation outcomes of mHealth interventions for Type 2 Diabetes in LMICs. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were applied in framing and reporting the review criteria. A systematic search of Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases was performed through a combination of search terms. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published in English between January 2010 and August 2021 were included. Risk of bias for missing results in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to synthesize the results. RESULTS The search identified a total of 1161 articles. Thirty studies from 14 LMICs met the eligibility criteria. On clinical outcomes, 12 and 9 studies reported on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c )and fasting blood glucose (FBG) respectively. Text messages was the most commonly applied mHealth approach, used in 19 out of the 30 studies. Ten out of the 12 studies (83.3%) that reported on HbA1c had a percentage difference of <0.3% between the mHealth intervention and the comparison group. Additionally, studies with longer intervention periods had higher effect size and percentage difference on HbA1c (1.52 to 2.92%). Patient-centred implementation outcomes were reported variedly, where feasibility was reported in all studies. Acceptability was reported in nine studies, appropriateness in six studies and cost in four studies. mHealth evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) guidelines were not applied in all the studies in this review. CONCLUSION: mHealth interventions in LMICs are associated with clinically significant effectiveness on HbA1 but have low effectiveness on FBG. The application of mERA guidelines may standardize reporting of patient-centered implementation outcomes in LMICs. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO: Registration ID 154209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Mokaya
- Department of Human Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florence Kyallo
- Department of Human Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Roman Vangoitsenhoven
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Bogale B, Habte A, Haile D, Guteta M, Mohammed N, Gebremichael MA. Willingness to Receive mHealth Messages Among Diabetic Patients at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital: Implications for Digital Health. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:1499-1509. [PMID: 35769337 PMCID: PMC9234188 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s364604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing access and use of mobile technology provide new tools for diabetic care and management. Mobile-based technology (mHealth) is considered as a useful tool to deliver healthcare services as a makeshift alternative for consultations and follow-up of diabetic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to scrutinize the willingness to receive mHealth messages and its associated factors among diabetic patients at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among two hundred thirty-three diabetic patients. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epidata manager and SPSS software were used to enter and analyze the data, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the independent factors associated with patients' willingness to receive mHealth messages. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty-three patients participated in this study with a 95% response rate. Majority of the patients (213, 91.4%) had a mobile phone. Among those who had mobile phones, 59.1%, (95% CI: 48-64) of patients were willing to receive mHealth messages from providers, if they were offered the opportunity. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, monthly income >3000 ETB (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI (1.36-3.81)), owning smartphone (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI (1.67-4.89)), internet access in their mobile phone (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI (1.42-4.61)), perceived usefulness (AOR = 4.66; 95% CI (2.38-6.83)) and perceived ease to use (AOR = 3.87; 95% CI (1.57-5.46)) were identified as significant factors associated with diabetic patients' willingness to receive mHealth messages. CONCLUSION A high proportion of patients who had mobile phones were willing to receive mHealth messages. Monthly income, type of mobile phone, access to the internet on the mobile phone, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness were associated with willingness to receive mHealth messages. Therefore, focusing on these factors could provide insight for designing and implementing mHealth messages for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruk Bogale
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Biruk Bogale, Email /
| | - Aklilu Habte
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Haile
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Mirresa Guteta
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Nuredin Mohammed
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Mathewos Alemu Gebremichael
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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Patel VL, Halpern M, Nagaraj V, Chang O, Iyengar S, May W. Information processing by community health nurses using mobile health (mHealth) tools for early identification of suicide and depression risks in Fiji Islands. BMJ Health Care Inform 2021; 28:bmjhci-2021-100342. [PMID: 34782390 PMCID: PMC8593714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2021-100342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives High rates of depression and suicide and a lack of trained psychiatrists have emerged as significant concerns in the low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Readily available smartphones were leveraged with community health nurses (CHNs) in task-sharing for early identification of suicide and depression risks in Fiji Islands, the largest of PICs. This investigation examines how CHNs can efficiently and effectively process patient information about depression and suicide risk for making diagnostic and management decisions without compromising safety. The research is driven by the theoretical framework of text comprehension (knowledge representation and interpretation) and decision-making. Methods Mobile health (mHealth) Application for Suicide Risk and Depression Assessment (ASRaDA) was designed to include culturally useful clinical guidelines for these disorders. A representative sample of 48 CHNs was recruited and presented with two clinical cases (depression and suicide) in a simulated setting under three conditions: No support, paper-based and mobile-based culturally valid guideline support. Data were collected as the nurses read through the scenarios, ‘thinking aloud’, before summarising, diagnoses and follow-up recommendations. Transcribed audiotapes were analysed using formal qualitative discourse analysis methods for diagnostic accuracy, comprehension of clinical problems and reasoning patterns. Results Using guidelines on ASRaDA, the CHNs took less time to process patient information with more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for depression and suicide risk than with paper-based or no guideline conditions. A change in reasoning pattern for nurses’ information processing was observed with decision support. Discussion Although these results are shown in a mental health setting in Fiji, there are reasons to believe they are generalisable beyond mental health and other lower-to-middle income countries. Conclusions Culturally appropriate clinical guidelines on mHealth supports efficient information processing for quick and accurate decisions and a positive shift in reasoning behaviour by the nurses. However, translating complex qualitative patient information into quantitative scores could generate conceptual errors. These results are valid in simulated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimla Lodhia Patel
- Center for Cognitive Studies in Medicine and Public Health, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York, USA .,Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mariel Halpern
- Center for Cognitive Studies in Medicine and Public Health, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vijayalakshmi Nagaraj
- Center for Cognitive Studies in Medicine and Public Health, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Odille Chang
- Mental Health, Child and Adult Medicine, Fiji National University College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences - Tamavua Campus, Suva, Rewa, Fiji
| | - Sriram Iyengar
- Internal Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - William May
- Dean's Office, Fiji National University College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences - Tamavua Campus, Suva, Rewa, Fiji
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Gibbs A, Gumede D, Luthuli M, Xulu Z, Washington L, Sikweyiya Y, Adeagbo O, Shahmanesh M. Opportunities for technologically driven dialogical health communication for participatory interventions: Perspectives from male peer navigators in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2021; 292:114539. [PMID: 34776288 PMCID: PMC8783050 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the potential to deliver participatory dialogical HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention interventions via digital platforms, though the majority of mHealth interventions have been didactic in approach. We undertook 10 in-depth interviews with male Peer Navigators (PNs) who had been extensively trained and working on a larger intervention promoting young people's sexual and reproductive rights, in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Interviews focused on their, and their peers', use of technology in their everyday lives. Data were transcribed and translated, and subjected to thematic analysis. PNs described structural barriers to the use of technology, including poor connectivity, high data costs, and erratic electricity. They primarily used Facebook and WhatsApp for communication and highlighted how reading messages asynchronously was important to overcome connectivity challenges. PNs shared how groups were primarily for information sharing, they also discussed ‘sensitive’ issues online. Privacy was a concern, especially for conversations, and there was recognition of how confidentiality could be breached. It was also felt that WhatsApp could potentially support greater openness in discussions. We reflect on the potential for online interventions to support dialogical health communication, highlighting how dialogical health communication may be enabled through information provision, the asynchronous communication enhancing the potential for reflection, and greater participation in discussion by those who are shyer. Despite this potential there remain important risks around privacy of discussions and how to implement these approaches online. Qualitative research with young men showed high levels of cellphone usage. Emphasizes the importance of sharing information and personal discussions online. Suggests potential opportunities for discussion and reflection via WhatsApp. Recognises limitations of WhatsApp communication for health communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Dumsani Gumede
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Manono Luthuli
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Zakhele Xulu
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Yandisa Sikweyiya
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa; Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behaviour, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA; Department of Sociology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa; Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Supporting breast cancer survivors via text messages: reach, acceptability, and utility of EMPOWER-SMS. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:1165-1175. [PMID: 34505206 PMCID: PMC8428506 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the reach, usefulness, acceptability, and factors influencing engagement with a lifestyle-focused text message intervention to support women’s mental and physical health after breast cancer treatment. Methods This study uses a mixed-methods process evaluation nested in the EMPOWER-SMS randomised controlled trial (n = 160; intervention n = 80, wait-list control n = 80). Data sources included screening logs, text message delivery software analytics, intervention feedback survey, and focus groups (n = 16), which were summarised thematically based on the framework approach. Results A total of 387 women met the inclusion criteria (meanage ± SD = 59.3 ± 11.6 years). Participants who declined (n = 227) were significantly older than those who enrolled (n = 160; 62.2 ± 11.1 vs 55.1 ± 11.1 years, respectively, p < 0.001). Most intervention participants (64/80; 80%) completed the end-of-study survey, reporting the messages were easy to understand (64/64; 100%), useful (58/64; 91%), and motivating (43/64; 67%). The focus groups (n = 16) revealed five factors influencing engagement: (i) feelings of support/continued care, (ii) convenience/flexibility of message delivery, (iii) weblinks, (iv) information from a credible source, and (v) options to save or share messages. Conclusion A lifestyle-focused text message program was acceptable and useful for women after breast cancer treatment. However, text messaging may be a barrier for women aged over 68 years. Suggestions for program improvements included delivering the program to patients with other cancers, during all stages of treatment, and including more weblinks in text messages. Implications for Cancer Survivors Text message programs offer a low-cost way to deliver post-treatment health support to breast cancer survivors in a non-invasive way. Text messages can improve patient–health professional communication and were found to be acceptable and useful.
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Kirkwood EK, Clymer C, Imbulana K, Mozumder S, Dibley MJ, Alam NA. What role do mHealth interventions play in changing gender relations? A systematic review of qualitative findings. (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2021; 9:e32330. [PMID: 35862143 PMCID: PMC9353673 DOI: 10.2196/32330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid and widespread growth of mobile technologies in low- and middle-income countries can offer groundbreaking ways of disseminating public health interventions. However, gender-based inequalities present a challenge for women in accessing mobile technology. Research has shown that mobile health (mHealth) interventions can affect gender relations in both positive and negative ways; however, few mHealth programs use a gender-sensitive lens when designing, implementing, or analyzing programs. Objective This systematic review aims to identify and summarize the findings of qualitative research studies that explore the impact of mHealth interventions on gender relations as a result of participating in such initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. Methods We performed a systematic literature review to examine empirical evidence of changes in gender relations attributed to participation in an mHealth intervention in low- and middle-income countries. Peer-reviewed articles were included based on whether they evaluated an mHealth intervention and were published between 2013 and 2020. Articles using mHealth that solely targeted health workers, did not assess a specific intervention, used mobile technology for data collection only, or were formative or exploratory in nature were excluded. The search terms were entered into 4 key electronic databases—MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus—generating a comprehensive list of potentially relevant peer-reviewed articles. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report the themes that emerged from our data. Results Of the 578 full-text articles retrieved, 14 (2.4%) were eligible for inclusion in the study. None of the articles appraised gender from the outset. The articles uncovered findings on gender relations through the course of the intervention or postprogram evaluation. Most studies took place in sub-Saharan Africa, with the remainder in South and Southeast Asia. The articles focused on maternal and child health, HIV diagnosis and treatment, and reproductive health. This review found that mHealth programs could enhance spousal communication, foster emotional support between couples, improve women’s self-efficacy and autonomy in seeking health information and services, and increase their involvement in health-related decision-making. Despite the positive impacts, some mHealth interventions had an adverse effect, reinforcing the digital divide, upholding men as gatekeepers of information and sole decision-makers, and exacerbating relationship problems. Conclusions These results suggest that given the rapid and persistent upscale of mHealth interventions in low- and middle-income settings, it is imperative to design interventions that consider their impact on power dynamics and gender relations. Future research is needed to fill the evidence gaps on gender and mHealth, acknowledging that women are not passive beneficiaries and that they need to actively participate and be empowered by mHealth interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Michael J Dibley
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Neeloy Ashraful Alam
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Campbell BR, Choi K, Neils MG, Canan C, Moll A, Dillingham R, Shenoi SV. Mobile Device Usage by Gender Among High-Risk HIV Individuals in a Rural, Resource-Limited Setting. Telemed J E Health 2021; 27:615-624. [PMID: 32835638 PMCID: PMC8215405 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising tool to deliver healthcare interventions to underserved populations. We characterized the use of mobile devices in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to tailor mHealth interventions for people living with HIV and at risk for acquiring HIV in the middle-income country. Methods: We surveyed participants in community settings and offered free HIV counseling and testing. Participants self-reported their gender, age, relationship, and employment status, receipt of monthly grant, condomless sex frequency, and circumcision status (if male). Outcomes included cell phone and smartphone ownership, private data access, health information seeking, and willingness to receive healthcare messages. We performed multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between demographic factors and outcomes. Results: Although only 10% of the 788 individuals surveyed used the phone to seek health information, 93% of cell phone owners were willing to receive healthcare messages. Being young, female, employed, and in a relationship were associated with cell phone ownership. Smartphone owners were more likely to be young, female, and employed. Participants reporting condomless sex or lack of circumcision were significantly less likely to have private data access or to purchase data. Conclusions: mHealth interventions should be feasible in rural KwaZulu-Natal, though differ by gender. As women are more likely to own smartphones, smartphone-based mHealth interventions specifically geared to prevent the acquisition of or to support the care of HIV in young women in KwaZulu-Natal may be feasible. mHealth interventions encouraging condom use and medical male circumcision should consider the use of nonsmartphone short message service and be attuned to mobile data limitations-especially when targeting men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna R. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Koeun Choi
- Section of Infection Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Megan Gray Neils
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Chelsea Canan
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anthony Moll
- Antiretroviral Program, Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Address correspondence to: Rebecca Dillingham, MD, MPH, Department of Medicine, UVA School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Sheela V. Shenoi
- Section of Infection Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Dol J, Richardson B, Murphy GT, Aston M, McMillan D, Campbell-Yeo M. Impact of mobile health interventions during the perinatal period on maternal psychosocial outcomes: a systematic review. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 18:30-55. [PMID: 31972680 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of mother-targeted mobile health (mHealth) education interventions during the perinatal period on maternal psychosocial outcomes in high-income countries. INTRODUCTION The perinatal period is an exciting yet challenging period for mothers that requires physical, emotional and social adjustment to new norms and expectations. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of mHealth by new mothers who are seeking health information through online or mobile applications. While there have been systematic reviews on the impact of mHealth interventions on maternal and newborn health in low- and middle-income countries, the impact of these interventions on maternal psychosocial health outcomes in high-income countries remains uncertain. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review considered studies of mHealth education interventions targeting mothers in high-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) during the perinatal period. Interventions must have started between the antenatal period (conception through birth) through six weeks postpartum. All experimental study designs were included. Outcomes included self-efficacy, social support, postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Embase were searched for published studies in English on December 16, 2018. Gray literature was also searched for non-peer reviewed articles, including Google Scholar, mHealth intelligence and clinical trials databases. Critical appraisal was undertaken by two independent reviewers using standardized critical appraisal instruments from JBI. Quantitative data were extracted from included studies independently by two reviewers using the standardized data extraction tool from JBI. All conflicts were solved through consensus with a third reviewer. Quantitative data were, where possible, pooled in statistical meta-analysis using RevMan. Where statistical pooling was not possible, findings were reported narratively. RESULTS Of the 1,607 unique articles identified, 106 full-text papers were screened and 24 articles were critically appraised, with 21 included in the final review. Eleven were quasi-experimental and 10 were randomized controlled trials. The mHealth intervention approach varied, with text message and mobile applications being the most common. Length of intervention ranged from four weeks to six months. The topics of the mHealth intervention varied widely, with the most common topic being postpartum depression. Mothers who received an mHealth intervention targeting postpartum depression showed a decreased score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale when measured post-intervention (odds ratio = -6.01, 95% confidence interval = -8.34 to -3.67, p < 0.00001). The outcomes related to self-efficacy, social support and anxiety showed mixed findings of effectiveness (beneficial and no change) across the studies identified. CONCLUSIONS This review provides insight into the effectiveness of mHealth interventions targeting mothers in high-income countries in the perinatal period to enhance four psychosocial outcomes: self-efficacy, social support, anxiety and depression. Despite a wide variety of outcome measurements used, the predominant findings suggest that there are insufficient data to conclude that mHealth interventions can improve self-efficacy and anxiety outcomes. Potential benefits on social support were related to interventions targeting postnatal behaviors. Postpartum depression was the mostly commonly reported outcome. Findings related to the comparison of pre-post outcomes and intervention versus control demonstrated that mHealth interventions targeting postpartum depression were associated with a reduction in postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Dol
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Brianna Richardson
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Gail Tomblin Murphy
- World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada
| | - Megan Aston
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Douglas McMillan
- Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | - Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
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Kabukye JK, Ilozumba O, Broerse JEW, de Keizer N, Cornet R. Implementation of an Interactive Voice Response System for Cancer Awareness in Uganda: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e22061. [PMID: 33496672 PMCID: PMC7872833 DOI: 10.2196/22061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer awareness is crucial for cancer care and prevention. However, cancer awareness in Uganda is low, and access to cancer information is limited. Objective This study aims to (1) understand the cancer awareness situation in Uganda (perceptions, beliefs, information needs, and challenges to accessing cancer information) and opinions about interactive voice response (IVR) systems; (2) develop cancer awareness messages and implement them in an IVR system; and (3) evaluate user acceptance and use of the IVR system. Methods A participatory design approach was adopted. To understand cancer awareness needs and challenges, 3 interviews and 7 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with cancer health care providers, patients with cancer, caregivers and survivors, administrators, and lay citizens (n=73). On the basis of the resulting qualitative data, audio messages addressing cancer information needs were developed and implemented in an IVR system. The system and messages were tested with users (n=12) during 2 co-design workshops before final rollout. Finally, the system was evaluated over 6 months after going live, using call records and user feedback from telephone interviews with callers (n=40). Results The cancer information needs included general topics such as what cancer is, what causes it, cancer screening and diagnosis, cancer treatment, and practical information on what to expect during cancer care. There were also myths and misconceptions that need to be addressed, such as that cancer is due to witchcraft and has no treatment. Information on COVID-19 was also sought after following the outbreak. We developed 20 audio cancer messages (approximately 2 minutes each) in English and Luganda, along with 14 IVR navigation instructions. These were implemented in an IVR system with 24/7 availability from all over Uganda via a toll-free multi-channel telephone number. The total number of calls made to the IVR system 6 months after going live was 3820. Of these, 2437 (63.8%) lasted at least 30 seconds and were made from 1230 unique telephone numbers. There were 191 voice messages and 760 calls to live agents, most of which (681/951, 71.6%) were in Luganda. Call volumes peaked following advertisement of the system and lockdowns due to COVID-19. Participants were generally familiar with IVR technology, and caller feedback was largely positive. Cited benefits included convenience, toll-free access, and detailed information. Recommendations for improvement of the system included adding live agents and marketing of the system to target users. Conclusions IVR technology provides an acceptable and accessible method for providing cancer information to patients and the general public in Uganda. However, a need remains for health system reforms to provide additional cancer information sources and improve cancer care services in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnblack K Kabukye
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC - Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Onaedo Ilozumba
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Nicolette de Keizer
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC - Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ronald Cornet
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC - Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ward VC, Raheel H, Weng Y, Mehta KM, Dutt P, Mitra R, Sastry P, Godfrey A, Shannon M, Chamberlain S, Kaimal R, Carmichael SL, Bentley J, Abdalla S, Pepper KT, Mahapatra T, Srikantiah S, Borkum E, Rangarajan A, Sridharan S, Rotz D, Nanda P, Tarigopula UK, Atmavilas Y, Bhattacharya D, Darmstadt GL. Impact of mHealth interventions for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition at scale: BBC Media Action and the Ananya program in Bihar, India. J Glob Health 2020. [DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.0201005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Ward VC, Raheel H, Weng Y, Mehta KM, Dutt P, Mitra R, Sastry P, Godfrey A, Shannon M, Chamberlain S, Kaimal R, Carmichael SL, Bentley J, Abdalla S, Pepper KT, Mahapatra T, Srikantiah S, Borkum E, Rangarajan A, Sridharan S, Rotz D, Nanda P, Tarigopula UK, Atmavilas Y, Bhattacharya D, Darmstadt GL. Impact of mHealth interventions for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition at scale: BBC Media Action and the Ananya program in Bihar, India. J Glob Health 2020; 10:021005. [PMID: 33425329 PMCID: PMC7758913 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.021005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) tools have potential for improving the reach and quality of health information and services through community health workers in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluates the impact of an mHealth tool implemented at scale as part of the statewide reproductive,maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (RMNCHN) program in Bihar, India. Methods Three survey-based data sets were analysed to compare the health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours amongst childbearing women exposed to the Mobile Kunji and Dr. Anita mHealth tools during their visits with frontline workers compared with those who were unexposed. Results An evaluation by Mathematica (2014) revealed that exposure to Mobile Kunji and Dr. Anita recordings were associated with significantly higher odds of consuming iron-folic acid tablets (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8-3.1) as well as taking a set of three measures for delivery preparedness (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.9-4.2) and appropriate infant complementary feeding (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.0-3.5). CARE India’s Community-based Household Surveys (2012-2017) demonstrated significant improvements in early breastfeeding (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.5-1.78) and exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.33-1.62) in addition to birth preparedness practices. BBC Media Action’s Usage & Engagement Survey (2014) demonstrated a positive association between exposure to Mobile Kunji and Dr. Anita and exclusive breastfeeding (58% exposed vs 43% unexposed, P < 0.01) as well as maternal respondents’ trust in their frontline worker. Conclusions Significant improvements in RMNCHN-related knowledge and behaviours were observed for Bihari women who were exposed to Mobile Kunji and Dr. Anita. This analysis is unique in its rigorous evaluation across multiple data sets of mHealth interventions implemented at scale. These results can help inform global understanding of how best to use mHealth tools, for whom, and in what contexts. Study registration ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02726230.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hina Raheel
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yingjie Weng
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kala M Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rajani Kaimal
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jason Bentley
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Safa Abdalla
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kevin T Pepper
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dana Rotz
- Mathematica, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Priya Nanda
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | - Gary L Darmstadt
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Pearlman PC. Promise of Smartphone-Enabled Teleconsultation for Global Cancer Prevention. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:1389-1391. [PMID: 32941078 PMCID: PMC7529502 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Pearlman
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
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Dol J, Richardson B, Tomblin Murphy G, Aston M, McMillan D, Campbell-Yeo M. Impact of mHealth interventions during the perinatal period on maternal psychosocial outcomes: a systematic review protocol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 17:2491-2498. [PMID: 31356572 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mother-targeted mobile health (mHealth) education interventions during the perinatal period on maternal psychosocial outcomes in high-income countries. INTRODUCTION Mobile health (i.e. mHealth) is defined as the use of mobile devices to transmit health content and services. The use of mHealth to provide education and support to mothers is a growing field of health innovation. Mothers seek health information online during the postpartum period to learn about health concerns and get advice and support. Despite the potential benefits of mHealth, the potential impact on maternal psychosocial outcomes requires further evaluation. INCLUSION CRITERIA The review will consider studies that include mHealth interventions targeting mothers in high-income countries. The mHealth education interventions must occur during the antenatal or postnatal period. This review will consider studies that compare the intervention to any comparators. Studies published in English from 2000 will be included. METHODS The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished studies. Following the search, all identified citations will be collated and duplicates removed. Titles and abstracts will be screened and full text of selected citations will then be assessed in detail against inclusion criteria. The results of the search will be reported in full in the final systematic review. Eligible studies will be critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Data extracted will include specific details about the interventions, populations, study methods and outcomes. Studies will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis or presented in narrative form including tables and figures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Dol
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Brianna Richardson
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Megan Aston
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Douglas McMillan
- Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | - Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change (AH-NET-C): a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
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Chen Y, Ronen K, Matemo D, Unger JA, Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G, Levin C. An Interactive Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Adherence to Option B+ Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Kenya: Cost Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e18351. [PMID: 33006562 PMCID: PMC7568211 DOI: 10.2196/18351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) approaches offer potentially affordable ways to support the care of HIV-infected patients in overstretched health care systems. However, only few studies have analyzed the costs associated with mHealth solutions for HIV care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the total incremental costs and incremental cost per beneficiary of an interactive SMS text messaging support intervention within a clinical trial. METHODS The Mobile WAChX trial (NCT02400671) evaluates an interactive semiautomated SMS text messaging intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in care among peripartum women infected with HIV in Kenya to reduce the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Women were randomized to receive one-way versus two-way SMS text messages. Messages were sent weekly, and these messages included motivational and educational content and visit reminders; two-way messaging enabled prompt consultation with the nurse as needed. Microcosting methods were used to collect resource-use data related to implementing the Mobile WAChX SMS text messaging intervention. At 2 sites (Nairobi and Western Kenya), we conducted semistructured interviews with health personnel to identify startup and recurrent activities by obtaining information on the personnel, supplies, and equipment. Data on expenditures and prices from project expense reports, administrative records, and published government salary data were included to estimate the total incremental costs. Using a public provider perspective, we estimated incremental unit costs per beneficiary and per contact during 2017. RESULTS The weighted average annual incremental costs for the two-way SMS text messaging group were US $3725 per facility, US $62 per beneficiary, and US $0.85 per contact to reach 115 beneficiaries. For the one-way SMS text messaging group, the weighted average annual incremental costs were US $2542 per facility, US $41 per beneficiary, and US $0.66 per contact to reach 117 beneficiaries. The largest cost shares were for the personnel: 48.2% (US $1794/US $3725) in two-way and 32.4% (US $825/US $2542) in one-way SMS text messaging groups. Costs associated with software development and communication accounted for 29.9% (US $1872/US $6267) of the costs in both intervention arms (US $1042 vs US $830, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Cost information for budgeting and financial planning is relevant for implementing mHealth interventions in national health plans. Given the proportion of costs related to systems development, it is likely that costs per beneficiary will decline with the scale-up of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jennifer A Unger
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carol Levin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Gabriel I, Creedy D, Coyne E. A systematic review of psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life of people with cancer and their family caregivers. Nurs Open 2020; 7:1299-1312. [PMID: 32802350 PMCID: PMC7424465 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To review the characteristics and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on quality of life of adult people with cancer and their family caregivers. Design A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. Methods Seven databases were searched from 2009-2019 using key terms. Included studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Results 1909 studies were retrieved with 12 studies included, involving 3,390 patients/caregivers. Interventions aimed to improve communication, behaviour change and setting short-term goals. Duration of interventions varied from 4-17 weeks. Highest benefit was gained from telephone interventions. Interventions based on interpersonal counselling appeared more effective than other approaches. Studies predominantly focused on psychological, physical and social domains of quality of life. Spiritual well-being received relatively little attention. A paradigm shift is needed to develop psychosocial interventions that incorporate spiritual well-being. More research is needed in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Gabriel
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityLogan CampusQueenslandAustralia
| | - Debra Creedy
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityLogan CampusQueenslandAustralia
| | - Elisabeth Coyne
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGriffith UniversityLogan CampusQueenslandAustralia
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Stonbraker S, Haight E, Soriano L, Guijosa L, Davison E, Bushley D, Messina L, Halpern M. Establishing content for a digital educational support group for new adolescent mothers in the Dominican Republic: a user-centered design approach. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2020; 34:219-232. [PMID: 32857722 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2020-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background As digital interventions to improve health become widespread globally, it is critical to include target end-users in their design. This can help ensure interventions are maximally beneficial among intended populations. Objectives To generate the content of a digital educational support group, administered through WhatsApp, for new adolescent mothers and establish participants' cellular access and WhatsApp use. Participants Adolescent mothers with new babies. Methods We completed a two-phase user-centered design process. In phase I design sessions, participants discussed their postpartum experiences and completed an activity to elucidate their health and wellbeing information needs. In phase II sessions, participants individually identified which health information topics were important to them, then all topics were prioritized as a group. Phase II participants also completed a brief survey on cell phone access and WhatsApp use. Results Phase I included 24 participants, 21 of whom completed phase II. Priority health and wellbeing information topics in the postpartum period were identified as: child growth and development, understanding your baby, common childhood illnesses, breastfeeding, childhood nutrition, family planning, and self-care. Of phase II participants, 45% had cellular phone access and none had a data plan. Cellular service was inconsistently obtained with data packages or Wi-Fi. 30% of participants had no experience using WhatsApp. Conclusions Participants identified numerous health information needs, which will serve as the content for our planned digital support group and provides valuable insight for health care providers globally. Less than half of participants had consistent cellular phone access, and none had reliable access to cellular service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Stonbraker
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Elizabeth Haight
- Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Leidy Soriano
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Linda Guijosa
- Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eliza Davison
- Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Diane Bushley
- Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Luz Messina
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Mina Halpern
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
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Mheidly N, Fares J. Health communication in low-income countries: A 60-year bibliometric and thematic analysis. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2020; 9:163. [PMID: 32953895 PMCID: PMC7482704 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_384_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health communication is a field that uses social and behavioral models to improve health outcomes and raise awareness on major health risks that threaten human well-being. Low-income countries (LICs) suffer from the effects of communicable and noncommunicable diseases that are exacerbated by weak health-care systems, lack of awareness campaigns, and ineffective communication tactics. This work aims to explore health communication research in LICs to find strategies that help improve health outcomes in the future. MATERIALS AND METHODS The PubMed database was explored systematically for publications related to health communication from LICs between January 1, 1960, and January 1, 2020. Publications were categorized according to country of origin and were analyzed with respect to population size, gross domestic product (GDP), and primary school enrollment of each state as obtained from the World Bank Open Data. RESULTS Collectively, LICs published 796 contributions, comprising 1.08% of the total biomedical research published by LICs and 0.27% of the world's health communication research. Malawi had the highest number of publications per GDP, with 32.811 publications per billion US$. Uganda had the most contributions per population, with 9.579 publications per million persons. Ethiopia had the highest amount of contributions per primary school enrollment with a ratio of 2.461 publications per %gross. The role of health communication in promoting HIV awareness and prevention was the most common theme explored. Other infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and Ebola, were also highlighted. Improving communication in health education was also explored. CONCLUSION Health communication is a rising field in LICs, with research focusing on disease prevention. Efforts to amplify research are key to effectively utilize the health communication models and improve health outcomes in LICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Mheidly
- Faculty of Information, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Mutebi M, Bhatia R, Salako O, Rubagumya F, Grover S, Hammad N. Innovative Use of mHealth and Clinical Technology for Oncology Clinical Trials in Africa. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:948-953. [PMID: 32614724 PMCID: PMC7392770 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilization of clinical technology and mobile health (mHealth) is expanding globally. It is important to reflect on how their usage and application could translate in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With the exponential growth and advancements of mobile and wireless technologies, LMICs are prime to adapt such technologies to potentially democratize and create solutions to health-related challenges. The role of these technologies in oncology clinical trials continues to expand. The lure of mHealth promises disruptive technology that may change the way clinical trials are designed and conducted in many settings. Its applicability in the African context is currently under consideration. Although potentially of expanding benefit, the role of these technologies requires careful and nuanced evaluation of the context in which they might be applied to harness their full potential, while mitigating possible harms or preventing further deepening of disparities within populations. Moreover, technology and digital innovations are no substitute for poor referral pathways and dysfunctional health systems and can only complement or enhance definite strategies aimed at strengthening these health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Rwanda Military Hospital, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Queen's University Cancer Center of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston Health Science Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Christie SA, Mbianyor MA, Dissak-Delon FN, Tanjong MM, Chichom-Mefire A, Dicker RA, Juillard C. Feasibility of a Cellular Telephone Follow-Up Program After Injury in Sub-Saharan Africa. World J Surg 2020; 44:2533-2541. [PMID: 32347352 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury disproportionately affects persons in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Most LMIC lack capacity for routine follow-up care, likely resulting in complications and disability. Cellular telephones may provide a new tool to improve health outcomes. The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of a mobile health follow-up program after injury in Cameroon. METHODS Between February and October 2017, all injured patients admitted to a regional hospital in Cameroon were asked for mobile phone numbers as part of an existing trauma registry. Patients were contacted 2 weeks after leaving the hospital discharge to participate in a short triage survey. Data on program feasibility and patient condition were collected. RESULTS Of 1180 injured patients who presented for emergency care, 83% provided telephone numbers, 62% were reached, and 48% (565) of all injured patients ultimately participated in telephone follow-up. Successfully contacted patients were reached after an average of 1.76 call attempts (SD 1.91) and median call time was 4.43 min (IQR 3.67-5.36). Five patients (1%) had died from their injuries at the time of follow-up. Among surveyed patients, 27% required ongoing assistance to complete activities of daily living. Nearly, half (47%) of patients reported inability to take medicines or care for their injury as instructed at discharge. Adequate pain control was achieved in only 38% of discharged patients. CONCLUSION Pilot data suggest considerable under treatment of injury in Cameroon. Mobile telephone follow-up demonstrates potential as a feasible tool for screening discharged patients who could benefit from further care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ariane Christie
- Department of Surgery, Center for Global Surgical Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 1, Rooms 400 & 401, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - M Agbor Mbianyor
- Department of Surgery, Center for Global Surgical Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 1, Rooms 400 & 401, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | | | - Mary M Tanjong
- Department of Surgery, Center for Global Surgical Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 1, Rooms 400 & 401, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Alain Chichom-Mefire
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Rochelle A Dicker
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 72-215 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine Juillard
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 72-215 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Baker J, Kohlhoff J, Onobrakpor SI, Woolfenden S, Smith R, Knebel C, Eapen V. The Acceptability and Effectiveness of Web-Based Developmental Surveillance Programs: Rapid Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e16085. [PMID: 32324149 PMCID: PMC7206511 DOI: 10.2196/16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based developmental surveillance programs may be an innovative solution to improving the early detection of childhood developmental difficulties, especially within disadvantaged populations. Objective This review aimed to identify the acceptability and effectiveness of web-based developmental surveillance programs for children aged 0 to 6 years. Methods A total of 6 databases and gray literature were searched using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–informed protocol. Data extraction included variables related to health equity. Results In total, 20 studies were identified. Most papers implemented web-based versions of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up screener for autism spectrum disorder or Parent Evaluation of Developmental Status screeners for broad developmental delay. Caregivers and practitioners indicated a preference for web-based screeners, primarily for user-friendliness, improved follow-up accuracy, time, and training efficiencies. Conclusions Although evidence is limited as to the necessity of web- versus face-to-face–based developmental screening, there are clear efficiencies in its use. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019127894; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=127894
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Baker
- The University of New South Wales, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- The University of New South Wales, Carramarr, Australia
| | | | | | - Rebecca Smith
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Technology-based health promotion: Current state and perspectives in emerging gig economy. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2020; 39:825-842. [PMID: 32313347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been a decade since smartphone application stores started allowing developers to post their own applications. This paper presents a narrative review on the state-of-the-art and the future of technology used by researchers in the field of mobile health promotion. Researchers build high cost, complex systems with the purpose of promoting health and collecting data. These systems promote health by using a feedback component that "educates" the subject. Other researchers instead use platforms which provide them with data collected by others, which allows for no communication with subjects, but may be cheaper than building a system to collect the data. This second type of systems cannot be used directly for health promotion. However, both types of systems are relevant to the field of health promotion, because they are precursors to a third type of systems that are emerging, the gig economy systems for mobile health data collection, which are low cost, globally available, and provide limited communication with subjects. If such systems evolve to include more channels for communication with the data-generating subjects, and also bring developers into the economy, they may eventually revolutionize the field of mobile health promotion and data collection by giving researchers new capabilities, such as the ability to replicate existing health promotion campaigns with the click of a button and the appropriate licenses. In this paper we present a review of state-of-the-art systems for mobile health promotion and data collection and a model for what these systems may look like in the future.
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Zapata-Lamana R, Lalanza JF, Losilla JM, Parrado E, Capdevila L. mHealth technology for ecological momentary assessment in physical activity research: a systematic review. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8848. [PMID: 32257648 PMCID: PMC7103204 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the publications on ecological momentary assessment (EMA) relating to physical activity (PA) behavior in order to classify the methodologies, and to identify the main mHealth technology-based tools and procedures that have been applied during the first 10 years since the emergence of smartphones. As a result of this review, we want to ask if there is enough evidence to propose the use of the term "mEMA" (mobile-based EMA). DESIGN A systematic review according to PRISMA Statement (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018088136). METHOD Four databases (PsycINFO, CINALH, Medline and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched electronically from 2008 to February 2018. RESULTS A total of 76 studies from 297 potential articles on the use of EMA and PA were included in this review. It was found that 71% of studies specifically used "EMA" for assessing PA behaviors but the rest used other terminology that also adjusted to the inclusion criteria. Just over half (51.3%) of studies (39) used mHealth technology, mainly smartphones, for collecting EMA data. The majority (79.5%) of these studies (31 out of 39) were published during the last 4 years. On the other hand, 58.8% of studies that only used paper-and-pencil were published during the first 3 years of the 10-year period analyzed. An accelerometer was the main built-in sensor used for collecting PA behavior by means of mHealth (69%). Most of the studies were carried out on young-adult samples, with only three studies in older adults. Women were included in 60% of studies, and healthy people in 82%. The studies lasted between 1 and 7 days in 57.9%, and between three and seven assessments per day were carried out in 37%. The most popular topics evaluated together with PA were psychological state and social and environmental context. CONCLUSIONS We have classified the EMA methodologies used for assessing PA behaviors. A total of 71% of studies used the term "EMA" and 51.3% used mHealth technology. Accelerometers have been the main built-in sensor used for collecting PA. The change of trend in the use of tools for EMA in PA coincides with the technological advances of the last decade due to the emergence of smartphones and mHealth technology. There is enough evidence to use the term mEMA when mHealth technology is being used for monitoring real-time lifestyle behaviors in natural situations. We define mEMA as the use of mobile computing and communication technologies for the EMA of health and lifestyle behaviors. It is clear that the use of mHealth is increasing, but there is still a lot to be gained from taking advantage of all the capabilities of this technology in order to apply EMA to PA behavior. Thus, mEMA methodology can help in the monitoring of healthy lifestyles under both subjective and objective perspectives. The tendency for future research should be the automatic recognition of the PA of the user without interrupting their behavior. The ecological information could be completed with voice messages, image captures or brief text selections on the touch screen made in real time, all managed through smartphone apps. This methodology could be extended when EMA combined with mHealth are used to evaluate other lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaume F. Lalanza
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Losilla
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Science, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eva Parrado
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lluis Capdevila
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Odendaal WA, Anstey Watkins J, Leon N, Goudge J, Griffiths F, Tomlinson M, Daniels K. Health workers' perceptions and experiences of using mHealth technologies to deliver primary healthcare services: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 3:CD011942. [PMID: 32216074 PMCID: PMC7098082 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011942.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth), refers to healthcare practices supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. Within primary care, health workers often use mobile devices to register clients, track their health, and make decisions about care, as well as to communicate with clients and other health workers. An understanding of how health workers relate to, and experience mHealth, can help in its implementation. OBJECTIVES To synthesise qualitative research evidence on health workers' perceptions and experiences of using mHealth technologies to deliver primary healthcare services, and to develop hypotheses about why some technologies are more effective than others. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index in January 2018. We searched Global Health in December 2015. We screened the reference lists of included studies and key references and searched seven sources for grey literature (16 February to 5 March 2018). We re-ran the search strategies in February 2020. We screened these records and any studies that we identified as potentially relevant are awaiting classification. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that used qualitative data collection and analysis methods. We included studies of mHealth programmes that were part of primary healthcare services. These services could be implemented in public or private primary healthcare facilities, community and workplace, or the homes of clients. We included all categories of health workers, as well as those persons who supported the delivery and management of the mHealth programmes. We excluded participants identified as technical staff who developed and maintained the mHealth technology, without otherwise being involved in the programme delivery. We included studies conducted in any country. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We assessed abstracts, titles and full-text papers according to the inclusion criteria. We found 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria and sampled 43 of these for our analysis. For the 43 sampled studies, we extracted information, such as country, health worker category, and the mHealth technology. We used a thematic analysis process. We used GRADE-CERQual to assess our confidence in the findings. MAIN RESULTS Most of the 43 included sample studies were from low- or middle-income countries. In many of the studies, the mobile devices had decision support software loaded onto them, which showed the steps the health workers had to follow when they provided health care. Other uses included in-person and/or text message communication, and recording clients' health information. Almost half of the studies looked at health workers' use of mobile devices for mother, child, and newborn health. We have moderate or high confidence in the following findings. mHealth changed how health workers worked with each other: health workers appreciated being more connected to colleagues, and thought that this improved co-ordination and quality of care. However, some described problems when senior colleagues did not respond or responded in anger. Some preferred face-to-face connection with colleagues. Some believed that mHealth improved their reporting, while others compared it to "big brother watching". mHealth changed how health workers delivered care: health workers appreciated how mHealth let them take on new tasks, work flexibly, and reach clients in difficult-to-reach areas. They appreciated mHealth when it improved feedback, speed and workflow, but not when it was slow or time consuming. Some health workers found decision support software useful; others thought it threatened their clinical skills. Most health workers saw mHealth as better than paper, but some preferred paper. Some health workers saw mHealth as creating more work. mHealth led to new forms of engagement and relationships with clients and communities: health workers felt that communicating with clients by mobile phone improved care and their relationships with clients, but felt that some clients needed face-to-face contact. Health workers were aware of the importance of protecting confidential client information when using mobile devices. Some health workers did not mind being contacted by clients outside working hours, while others wanted boundaries. Health workers described how some community members trusted health workers that used mHealth while others were sceptical. Health workers pointed to problems when clients needed to own their own phones. Health workers' use and perceptions of mHealth could be influenced by factors tied to costs, the health worker, the technology, the health system and society, poor network access, and poor access to electricity: some health workers did not mind covering extra costs. Others complained that phone credit was not delivered on time. Health workers who were accustomed to using mobile phones were sometimes more positive towards mHealth. Others with less experience, were sometimes embarrassed about making mistakes in front of clients or worried about job security. Health workers wanted training, technical support, user-friendly devices, and systems that were integrated into existing electronic health systems. The main challenges health workers experienced were poor network connections, access to electricity, and the cost of recharging phones. Other problems included damaged phones. Factors outside the health system also influenced how health workers experienced mHealth, including language, gender, and poverty issues. Health workers felt that their commitment to clients helped them cope with these challenges. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our findings propose a nuanced view about mHealth programmes. The complexities of healthcare delivery and human interactions defy simplistic conclusions on how health workers will perceive and experience their use of mHealth. Perceptions reflect the interplay between the technology, contexts, and human attributes. Detailed descriptions of the programme, implementation processes and contexts, alongside effectiveness studies, will help to unravel this interplay to formulate hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of mHealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem A Odendaal
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- Stellenbosch UniversityDepartment of PsychiatryCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Natalie Leon
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- Brown UniversitySchool of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Jane Goudge
- University of the WitwatersrandCentre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Frances Griffiths
- University of WarwickWarwick Medical SchoolCoventryUK
- University of the WitwatersrandCentre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Stellenbosch UniversityInstitute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global HealthCape TownSouth Africa
- Queens UniversitySchool of Nursing and MidwiferyBelfastUK
| | - Karen Daniels
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- University of Cape TownHealth Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family MedicineCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7925
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Nasir S, Goto R, Kitamura A, Alafeef S, Ballout G, Hababeh M, Kiriya J, Seita A, Jimba M. Dissemination and implementation of the e-MCHHandbook, UNRWA's newly released maternal and child health mobile application: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034885. [PMID: 32156767 PMCID: PMC7064073 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In April 2017, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) released the electronic Maternal andChildHealth Handbook, the e-MCH Handbook application. One of the first mobile health (m-Health) interventions in a refugee setting, the application gives pregnant women and mothers access to educational information and health records on smartphones. This study investigated factors associated with the dissemination and implementation of m-Health in the refugee setting. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 9 of 25 UNRWA health centres for Palestine refugees in Jordan. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed for 1 week to pregnant women and mothers with children aged 0-5 years. OUTCOME MEASURES The outcomes were whether participants knew about, downloaded or used the application. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with application download and usage. RESULTS 1042 participants were included in the analysis. 979 (95.5%) had a mobile phone and 862 (86.9%) had a smartphone. 499 (51.3%) knew about, 235 (23.8%) downloaded and 172 (17.4%) used the application. Having other mobile applications (OR 6.17, p<0.01), staff knowledge of the application (OR 11.82, p<0.01), using the internet as a source of medical information (OR 1.63, p=0.01) and having internet access at home (OR 1.46, p=0.05) were associated with application download. The age of the husband was associated with application usage (OR 1.04, p=0.11). CONCLUSIONS Though m-Health may be a promising means of promoting health in refugees, multiple barriers may exist to its dissemination and implementation. Those who regularly use mobile applications and get medical information from the internet are potential targets of m-Health dissemination. For successful implementation of a m-Health intervention, health staff should have thorough knowledge of the application and users should have access to the internet. Husband-related factors may also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seif Nasir
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ryunosuke Goto
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Sahar Alafeef
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ghada Ballout
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
| | - Majed Hababeh
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
| | - Junko Kiriya
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Seita
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Amman, Jordan
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Sinha C, Schryer-Roy AM. Digital health, gender and health equity: invisible imperatives. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019; 40:ii1-ii5. [PMID: 30329082 PMCID: PMC6294032 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence shows the use of digital technologies in health—referred to as eHealth, mHealth or ‘digital health’—is improving and saving lives in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this prevalent and persistent narrative, very few studies examine its effects on health equity, gender and power dynamics. This journal supplement addresses these invisible imperatives by going beyond traditional measures of coverage, efficacy and cost-effectiveness associated with digital health interventions, to unpack different experiences of health workers and beneficiaries. The collection of papers presents findings from a cohort of implementation research projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and two commentaries offer observations from learning-oriented evaluative activities across the entire cohort. The story emerging from this cohort is comprised of three themes: (i) digital health can positively influence health equity; (ii) gender and power analyses are essential; and (iii) digital health can be used to strengthen upward and downward accountability. These findings, at the individual project level and at the level of the cohort, provide encouraging recommendations on how to approach the design, implementation and evaluation of digital health interventions to address the Sustainable Development Goals agenda of leaving no one behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali Sinha
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada
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Experiences of using the toll-free telephone line to access maternal and newborn health services in central Uganda: a qualitative study. Public Health 2019; 179:1-8. [PMID: 31698207 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Save the Mothers (STM) operates the toll-free telephone line (TFL) service in nine health facilities in Uganda. The TFL is influential in addressing the first and second delays in seeking care as it connects vulnerable mothers to health facilities at no cost. This study aimed at exploring the experiences of health workers and community members in using the TFL to access maternal and newborn health services in four health facilities in central Uganda. STUDY DESIGN This phenomenological/qualitative study used focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data in four health facilities. METHODS A total of 10 FGDs were conducted; two with health workers, four with women, and another four with both men and women. Each session lasted 45-60 min and had a moderator, observer, and note taker. All discussions were audio-recorded after obtaining consent from the participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated to English from audio recordings. Data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis using QDA DATA Miner software. RESULTS The TFL service was pivotal in improving health worker and community relations, relaying timely health advice, ensuring prompt response to obstetric emergencies and facilitated timely referrals. However, the service faced several obstacles: unanswered calls, language differences, poor connectivity/network, and misuse/abuse. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of the TFL service in addressing the first and second delay as it allows for timely linkage of vulnerable mothers to health facilities. The TFL enhanced health worker and community relations and facilitated timely referrals and relaying of health advice. Addressing maternal mortality in low-income settings necessitates increased investment and scale up of such high-impact mHealth interventions.
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Mohammed A, Acheampong PR, Otupiri E, Owusu-Dabo E. Symptom monitoring of childhood illnesses and referrals: A pilot study on the feasibility of a mobile phone-based system as a disease surveillance tool in a rural health district of Ghana. Health Informatics J 2019; 26:1465-1476. [PMID: 31642368 DOI: 10.1177/1460458219879329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential of mobile technology in improving health systems, its use as a surveillance tool is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of a mobile phone-based system as a surveillance tool for identifying common symptoms of childhood illnesses. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study involving caregivers (n = 161) of children under 5 years. The system was designed to assess disease symptoms of the sick children and provide health advice to caregivers regarding what to do with the sick child. The capacity of the system to correctly assess the disease symptoms of sick children, and provide referral was examined using Kappa statistics. Of the 126 calls recorded by the system, 52 (41.3%) were valid with complete data. The level of agreement between the system and clinicians' report with respect to common symptoms of childhood illnesses varied: fever (kappa = 0.70, p < 0.001); vomiting (kappa = 0.46, p < 0.002); diarrhoea (kappa = 0.44, p < 0.007); and cough (kappa = 0.37, p < 0.0129). An acceptable level of symptom reliability was achieved by the system. The results suggest that the system can be used as a first line surveillance tool for identifying potential childhood disease outbreaks based on symptom reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyu Mohammed
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
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Dol J, Richardson B, Tomblin Murphy G, Aston M, McMillan D, Campbell-Yeo M. Impact of mobile health (mHealth) interventions during the perinatal period for mothers in low- and middle-income countries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 17:1634-1667. [DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-004022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Downs SM, Sackey J, Kalaj J, Smith S, Fanzo J. An mHealth voice messaging intervention to improve infant and young child feeding practices in Senegal. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 15:e12825. [PMID: 30950190 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices; however, gaps in the literature remain regarding their design, implementation, and effectiveness. The aims of this study were to design an mHealth voice messaging intervention delivered to mothers and fathers targeting IYCF practices and examine its implementation and impact in households with children 6-23 months in three rural villages in Senegal. We conducted focus groups (n = 6) to inform the intervention development. We then conducted a pilot study (n = 47 households) to examine the impact of the intervention on IYCF practices of children 6-23 months. Voice messages were sent to the children's mothers and fathers over a period of 4 weeks (two messages per week; eight messages in total), and 24-hr dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were conducted before and immediately after the implementation of the mHealth intervention to examine its impact on IYCF practices. Overall, three of the eight behaviours increased and one decreased. There was a significant increase in the number of children that consumed fish (60% vs. 94%; p = .008) as measured by the 24-hr recall after the completion of the intervention. We also found significantly higher frequency of egg (p = .026), fish (p = .004), and thick porridge (p = .002) consumption in the previous 7 days measured by the FFQ. Our findings suggest that voice messaging IYCF interventions in Senegal have the potential to improve IYCF behaviours among young children in the short term. Future research should entail scaling-up the intervention and examining its sustainability over the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna M Downs
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Joachim Sackey
- Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Science, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Jozefina Kalaj
- Department of Economics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Stephen Smith
- Department of Economics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Berman Institute of Bioethics & School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Paslakis G, Fischer-Jacobs J, Pape L, Schiffer M, Gertges R, Tegtbur U, Zimmermann T, Nöhre M, de Zwaan M. Assessment of Use and Preferences Regarding Internet-Based Health Care Delivery: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12416. [PMID: 31099338 PMCID: PMC6542248 DOI: 10.2196/12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been an incremental increase in the use of technology in health care delivery. Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of interventions based on internet technologies are supported by a growing body of evidence. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate use and preferences in the general adult population in Germany for remote, internet-based interaction (eg, email, videoconferencing, electronic medical records, apps). Methods A nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey in adults that was representative in terms of age, sex and educational level was carried out. Results A total of 22.16% (538/2428) of survey participants reported not using the internet for work or private use. The nonuser phenotype can be described as being older, having lower educational and income status, and living in less populated areas. The majority of participants within the cohort of internet users reported that they would not consider using electronic medical records (973/1849, 52.62%), apps (988/1854, 53.29%), or emails to report symptoms (1040/1838, 56.58%); teleconference with one (1185/1852, 63.98%) or more experts (1239/1853, 66.86%); or participate in video psychotherapy (1476/1853, 79.65%) for the purpose of medical consultation or treatment. Older age and lower educational level were the most robust predictors of assumed future denial of use. Conclusions Our results point toward low use and preference rates among the general population for the use of telemedicine. It also seems that those who might benefit from telemedical interventions the most, are, in fact, those who are most hesitating. These low use and preference rates of eHealth should be considered prior to designing and providing future telemedical care, supporting the need for easy-to-use, data secure solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Paslakis
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Josefine Fischer-Jacobs
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Project Kidney Transplantation 360°, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mario Schiffer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raoul Gertges
- Project Kidney Transplantation 360°, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Uwe Tegtbur
- Project Kidney Transplantation 360°, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Zimmermann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mariel Nöhre
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Project Kidney Transplantation 360°, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina de Zwaan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Project Kidney Transplantation 360°, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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