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Landrum KR, Akiba CF, Pence BW, Akello H, Chikalimba H, Dussault JM, Hosseinipour MC, Kanzoole K, Kulisewa K, Malava JK, Udedi M, Zimba CC, Gaynes BN. Assessing suicidality during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Lessons learned from adaptation and implementation of a telephone-based suicide risk assessment and response protocol in Malawi. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281711. [PMID: 36930620 PMCID: PMC10022777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the rapid transition of many research studies from in-person to telephone follow-up globally. For mental health research in low-income settings, tele-follow-up raises unique safety concerns due to the potential of identifying suicide risk in participants who cannot be immediately referred to in-person care. We developed and iteratively adapted a telephone-delivered protocol designed to follow a positive suicide risk assessment (SRA) screening. We describe the development and implementation of this SRA protocol during follow-up of a cohort of adults with depression in Malawi enrolled in the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership for Mental Health Capacity Building (SHARP) randomized control trial during the COVID-19 era. We assess protocol feasibility and performance, describe challenges and lessons learned during protocol development, and discuss how this protocol may function as a model for use in other settings. Transition from in-person to telephone SRAs was feasible and identified participants with suicidal ideation (SI). Follow-up protocol monitoring indicated a 100% resolution rate of SI in cases following the SRA during this period, indicating that this was an effective strategy for monitoring SI virtually. Over 2% of participants monitored by phone screened positive for SI in the first six months of protocol implementation. Most were passive risk (73%). There were no suicides or suicide attempts during the study period. Barriers to implementation included use of a contact person for participants without personal phones, intermittent network problems, and pre-paid phone plans delaying follow-up. Delays in follow-up due to challenges with reaching contact persons, intermittent network problems, and pre-paid phone plans should be considered in future adaptations. Future directions include validation studies for use of this protocol in its existing context. This protocol was successful at identifying suicide risk levels and providing research assistants and participants with structured follow-up and referral plans. The protocol can serve as a model for virtual SRA development and is currently being adapted for use in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R. Landrum
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Akiba
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Michael Udedi
- Noncommunicable Disease and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Kajubi P, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Twimukye A, Bwanika Naggirinya A, Nabaggala MS, Kiragga A, Castelnuovo B, King R. Perceptions and Attitudes Toward an Interactive Voice Response Tool (Call for Life Uganda) Providing Adherence Support and Health Information to HIV-Positive Ugandans: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36829. [PMID: 36472904 PMCID: PMC9768667 DOI: 10.2196/36829] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuing decline in AIDS-related deaths in the African region is largely driven by the steady scale-up of antiretroviral therapy. However, there are challenges to retaining people living with HIV on treatment. Call for Life Uganda (CFLU) is an interactive voice response tool using simple analogue phones. CFLU supports patients with daily pill reminders, preappointment reminders, symptom reporting and management, and weekly health promotion tips. Mobile health tools are being increasingly used in resource-limited settings but are often adopted without rigorous evaluation. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study conducted at 12 months after enrollment assessed patients' experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding CLFU. METHODS We conducted a qualitative substudy within an open-label randomized controlled trial titled "Improving outcomes in HIV patients using mobile phone based interactive software support." Data were collected through 6 focus group discussions with participants sampled based on proportion of calls responded to-<25%, between 25% and 50%, and >50%-conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Mulago, and the Kasangati Health Centre IV. NVivo (version 11; QSR International) was used in the management of the data and in the coding of the emerging themes. The data were then analyzed using content thematic analysis. RESULTS There was consensus across all groups that they had more positive than negative experiences with the CFLU system. Participants who responded to >50% of the calls reported more frequent use of the specific elements of the CFLU tool and, consequently, experienced more benefits from the system than those who responded to calls less frequently. Irrespective of calls responded to, participants identified pill reminders as the most important aspect in improved quality of life, followed by health promotion tips. The most common challenge faced was difficulty with the secret personal identification number. CONCLUSIONS Findings showed participants' appreciation, high willingness, and interest in the intervention, CFLU, that demonstrated great perceived potential to improve their access to health care; adherence to treatment; health awareness; and, consequently, quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02953080; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02953080.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Kajubi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adelline Twimukye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Bwanika Naggirinya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Sarah Nabaggala
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel King
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Institute for Global Health Sciences,, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Demsash AW, Tegegne MD, Walle AD, Wubante SM. Understanding barriers of receiving short message service appointment reminders across African regions: a systematic review. BMJ Health Care Inform 2022; 29:bmjhci-2022-100671. [PMID: 36423934 PMCID: PMC9693653 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2022-100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients frequently miss their medical appointments. Therefore, short message service (SMS) has been used as a strategy for medical and healthcare service appointment reminders. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers to SMS appointment reminders across African regions. METHODS PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar and Web of Science were used for searching, and hand searching was done. Original studies written in English, conducted in Africa, and published since 1 December 2018, were included. The standard quality assessment checklist was used for the quality appraisal of the included studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart diagram was used for study selection and screening, and any disagreements were resolved via discussions. RESULTS A total of 955 articles were searched, 521 studies were removed due to duplication and 105 studies were assessed for eligibility. Consequently, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Five out of nine included studies were done by randomised control trials. The barriers that hampered patients, mothers and other parental figures of children when they were notified via SMS of medical and health services were identified. Among the 11 identified barriers, illiteracy, issues of confidentiality, familiarised text messages, inadequate information communication technology infrastructure, being a rural resident and loss of mobile phones occurred in at least two studies. CONCLUSIONS SMS is an effective and widely accepted appointment reminder tool. However, it is hampered by numerous barriers. Hence, we gathered summarised information about users' barriers to SMS-based appointment reminders. Therefore, stakeholders should address existing identified barriers for better Mhealth interventions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022296559.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masresha Derese Tegegne
- Health Informatics Department, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Agmasie Damtew Walle
- College of Health Science, Health Informatics Department, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Maru Wubante
- Health Informatics Department, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Dvalishvili D, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P, Sensoy Bahar O, Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Namatovu P. Impact of Family-Based Economic Empowerment Intervention, Suubi+Adherence (2012-2018) on Multidimensional Poverty for Adolescents Living with HIV (ALWHIV) in Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14326. [PMID: 36361203 PMCID: PMC9657112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children growing up in poverty are disproportionately affected by diseases, including HIV. In this study, we use data from Suubi+Adherence, a longitudinal randomized control trial (2012-2018) with 702 adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV), to examine the effectiveness of a family-based multifaceted economic empowerment (EE) intervention in addressing economic instability and multidimensional poverty among ALWHIV in Southern Uganda. We constructed a Multidimensional Poverty Index of individual and household indicators, including health, assets, housing and family dynamics. We computed the proportion of multidimensionally poor children (H), estimated poverty intensity (A) and adjusted headcount ratio (M0). Using repeated measures at five-time points (baseline, years 1, 2, 3 and 4-post baseline) across two study arms: treatment (receiving the EE intervention) vs. control arm (not receiving EE), we find that both the incidence and proportion of multidimensional poverty decreased in the treatment arm vs. the control arm. Given that there is a direct link between economic instability and poor health outcomes, these findings are informative. They point to the potential for family EE interventions to decrease multidimensional poverty among vulnerable children, including ALWHIV, impacting their overall wellbeing and ability to meet their treatment needs and improve HIV care continuum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred. M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Samuel Kizito
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Office, Masaka 961105, Uganda
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Acceptability of the Wulira app in assessing occupational hearing loss among workers in a steel and iron manufacturing industry. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266858. [PMID: 36206261 PMCID: PMC9543627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266858] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Industrial workers are at a high risk of acquiring noise induced hearing loss, yet there is minimal hearing loss screening of such groups of people. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), the gold standard for hearing loss screening, is expensive, and not readily available at health sites. Mobile audiometry can bridge this gap. However, there is limited knowledge on its acceptability in low-income countries like Uganda. We aimed to assess the acceptability of using the Wulira App, a validated mobile phone app, in assessing hearing loss among industrial workers in Kampala. Methods We carried out a qualitative study in a steel and iron manufacturing industry in Kampala, in April 2021. Four Focus group discussions (FGDs) with 8 participants per FGD, and 12 In-depth Interviews (IDI), were conducted on the industrial workers. The industrial workers were first tested for hearing loss, then enrolled for the FGDs and IDI. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Themes were derived using thematic content analysis, borrowing from Sekhon’s model of Acceptability of Health Interventions. Results Industrial workers found the Wulira App user friendly, cheap, time saving, and an effective hearing loss assessment tool. However, barriers such as lack of smart phones, difficulty in navigating the app, and fear of getting bad news hindered the App’s acceptability, as a hearing assessment tool. Conclusion Hearing loss assessment using Wulira App was acceptable to the industry workers. There is need of informing industrial workers on the essence of carrying out regular hearing loss screening, such that barriers like fear of getting screened are overcome.
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Mason M, Cho Y, Rayo J, Gong Y, Harris M, Jiang Y. Technologies for Medication Adherence Monitoring and Technology Assessment Criteria: Narrative Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e35157. [PMID: 35266873 PMCID: PMC8949687 DOI: 10.2196/35157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate measurement and monitoring of patient medication adherence is a global challenge because of the absence of gold standard methods for adherence measurement. Recent attention has been directed toward the adoption of technologies for medication adherence monitoring, as they provide the opportunity for continuous tracking of individual medication adherence behavior. However, current medication adherence monitoring technologies vary according to their technical features and data capture methods, leading to differences in their respective advantages and limitations. Overall, appropriate criteria to guide the assessment of medication adherence monitoring technologies for optimal adoption and use are lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a narrative review of current medication adherence monitoring technologies and propose a set of technology assessment criteria to support technology development and adoption. METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest Technology Collection (2010-present) using the combination of keywords medication adherence, measurement technology, and monitoring technology. The selection focused on studies related to medication adherence monitoring technology and its development and use. The technological features, data capture methods, and potential advantages and limitations of the identified technology applications were extracted. Methods for using data for adherence monitoring were also identified. Common recurring elements were synthesized as potential technology assessment criteria. RESULTS Of the 3865 articles retrieved, 98 (2.54%) were included in the final review, which reported a variety of technology applications for monitoring medication adherence, including electronic pill bottles or boxes, ingestible sensors, electronic medication management systems, blister pack technology, patient self-report technology, video-based technology, and motion sensor technology. Technical features varied by technology type, with common expectations for using these technologies to accurately monitor medication adherence and increase adoption in patients' daily lives owing to their unobtrusiveness and convenience of use. Most technologies were able to provide real-time monitoring of medication-taking behaviors but relied on proxy measures of medication adherence. Successful implementation of these technologies in clinical settings has rarely been reported. In all, 28 technology assessment criteria were identified and organized into the following five categories: development information, technology features, adherence to data collection and management, feasibility and implementation, and acceptability and usability. CONCLUSIONS This narrative review summarizes the technical features, data capture methods, and various advantages and limitations of medication adherence monitoring technology reported in the literature and the proposed criteria for assessing medication adherence monitoring technologies. This collection of assessment criteria can be a useful tool to guide the development and selection of relevant technologies, facilitating the optimal adoption and effective use of technology to improve medication adherence outcomes. Future studies are needed to further validate the medication adherence monitoring technology assessment criteria and construct an appropriate technology assessment framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madilyn Mason
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Youmin Cho
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jessica Rayo
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yang Gong
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marcelline Harris
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yun Jiang
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Eze E, Gleasure R, Heavin C. Worlds apart: a socio-material exploration of mHealth in rural areas of developing countries. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & PEOPLE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/itp-04-2020-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe implementation of mobile health (mHealth) in developing countries seems to be stuck in a pattern of successive pilot studies that struggle for mainstream implementation. This study addresses the research question: what existing health-related structures, properties and practices are presented by rural areas of developing countries that might inhibit the implementation of mHealth initiatives?Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted using a socio-material approach, based on an exploratory case study in West Africa. Interviews and participant observation were used to gather data. A thematic analysis identified important social and material agencies, practices and imbrications which may limit the effectiveness of mHealth apps in the region.FindingsFindings show that, while urban healthcare is highly structured, best practice-led, rural healthcare relies on peer-based knowledge sharing, and community support. This has implications for the enacted materiality of mobile technologies. While urban actors see mHealth as a tool for automation and the enforcement of responsible healthcare best practice, rural actors see mHealth as a tool for greater interconnectivity and independent, decentralised care.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two significant limitations. First, the study focussed on a region where technology-enabled guideline-driven treatment is the main mHealth concern. Second, consistent with the exploratory nature of this study, the qualitative methodology and the single-case design, the study makes no claim to statistical generalisability.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to adopt a socio-material view that considers existing structures and practices that may influence the widespread adoption and assimilation of a new mHealth app. This helps identify contextual challenges that are limiting the potential of mHealth to improve outcomes in rural areas of developing countries.
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Dube-Pule A, Zanoni BC, Connolly C, Shabangu M, Archary M. Evaluation of an SMS-based mHealth intervention to enhance early infant diagnosis follow-up testing and assessment of postnatal prophylaxis. South Afr J HIV Med 2021; 22:1301. [PMID: 34917408 PMCID: PMC8661286 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1301] [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: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adherence to infant antiretroviral (ARV) postnatal prophylaxis and early infant diagnosis (EID) uptake is low in Africa. Promoting EID and adherence are necessary for this age group. Objectives We evaluated an SMS-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention to enhance adherence to ARV prophylaxis and knowledge of EID and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) among high-risk and low-risk mother–infant pairs. Method Two hundred and fifty-one mothers were recruited from King Edward VIII Hospital between December 2018 and October 2019. Participant information was captured, and SMS reminders were sent postnatally to promote immunisation attendance. Follow-up HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results were reviewed, and telephonic interviews were utilised for qualitative data. Results In all, 73.3% of infants had HIV PCR tests performed at 10 weeks. This high rate could be attributed to the mHealth intervention as this is considerably higher than other national studies, though not statistically significant compared to rates reported in the district at the same time. Factors that have impacted follow-up EID rates include poor maternal knowledge of EID time points and inadequate implementation of national PMTCT protocols. High-risk mothers were younger, commenced antenatal clinic visit later, were less knowledgeable on prophylaxis and have lower-birthweight infants than lower-risk mothers. Conclusion mHealth can play an important role in improving EID by increasing maternal knowledge. Further studies should focus on whether maternal education over an mHealth platform can increase knowledge on PMTCT and subsequently increase EID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anele Dube-Pule
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Brian C Zanoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Cathy Connolly
- School of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Majahonkhe Shabangu
- Sawubona Health Inc., Malden, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Department of Human Biology, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Moherndran Archary
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
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Busse A, Kashino W, Suhartono S, Narotama N, Pelupessy D, Avicenna Fikri A, Essau CA. Acceptability and feasibility of using digital technology to train community practitioners to deliver a family-based intervention for adolescents with drug use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addict Behav Rep 2021; 14:100357. [PMID: 34141857 PMCID: PMC8185141 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By adhering to government preventative messages to stay-at-home and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, training practitioners in person in implementing a family-based intervention (i.e., Treatnet Family) is not possible. The present study examined the feasibility and acceptability of using digital technology to remotely deliver Treatnet Family training to practitioners in community counselling services in Indonesia. METHOD Fifteen practitioners, from the association of addiction counsellors in Indonesia, participated in the Treatnet Family workshop remotely. The training was delivered by four national Treatnet Family trainers remotely via a digital platform for five days with additional take-home assignments. RESULTS All practitioners reported that Treatnet Family training have enhanced their skills in working with adolescents and their family. Most practitioners reported having confidence in conducting Treatnet Family and in applying core skills of family-based intervention. Participating in the workshop enabled practitioners to learn the core skills of the Treatnet Family at their own pace. However, some practitioners also stated few disadvantages in remote training, including having limited time for the discussion and feeling overwhelmed with the assignments. Some find it hard to attend such training from their home due to distractions. CONCLUSION Digital technology is acceptable and feasible method for training community practitioners to deliver Treatnet Family to adolescents with SUDs and their families in Indonesia. These findings can inform the way to use digital technology to deliver core family-based skills to community practitioners in other low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Busse
- Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section, Drug Prevention and Health Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wataru Kashino
- Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section, Drug Prevention and Health Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sanita Suhartono
- Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section, Drug Prevention and Health Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Narendra Narotama
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Programme Office, Indonesia
| | - Dicky Pelupessy
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Sumari-de Boer IM, Ngowi KM, Sonda TB, Pima FM, Masika, Bpharm LV, Sprangers MAG, Reiss P, Mmbaga BT, Nieuwkerk PT, Aarnoutse RE. Effect of Digital Adherence Tools on Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Among Adults Living With HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1136-1144. [PMID: 33871411 PMCID: PMC8263131 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains challenging for people living with HIV (PLHIV). The aim of this study was to investigate whether any of 2 digital adherence tools could improve adherence among PLHIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. METHODS We performed a parallel 3-arm, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial with 1:1:1 allocation. We included adults aged between 18 and 65 years, living in Kilimanjaro region, and who were on antiretroviral treatment for at least 6 months. Their adherence, as judged by the study nurses, had to be suboptimal. In one arm, participants received reminder short message service (SMS) texts, followed by a question SMS. In the second arm, participants received a real-time medication monitoring (RTMM) device (Wisepill) with SMS reminders. In the third arm, participants received standard care only. The primary outcome of mean adherence over 48 weeks was compared between arms using between-group t tests in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS In each arm, we randomized 83 participants: data of 82 participants in the RTMM arm, 80 in the SMS arm, and 81 in the standard care arm were analyzed. The average (over 48 weeks) adherence in the SMS, RTMM, and control arms was 89.6%, 90.6%, and 87.9% for pharmacy refill; 95.9%, 95.0%, and 95.2% for self-report in the past week; and 97.5%, 96.6%, and 96.9% for self-report in the past month, respectively (P values not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS Receiving reminder SMS or RTMM combined with feedback about adherence levels and discussion of strategies to overcome barriers to adherence did not improve adherence to treatment and treatment outcome in PLHIV. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER PACTR201712002844286.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Marion Sumari-de Boer
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kennedy M. Ngowi
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tolbert B. Sonda
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Francis M. Pima
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lyidia V. Masika, Bpharm
- Department of Pharmacy, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mirjam A. G. Sprangers
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- HIV Monitoring Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Department of Pharmacy, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania; and
| | - Pythia T. Nieuwkerk
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob E. Aarnoutse
- Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Byonanebye DM, Nabaggala MS, Naggirinya AB, Lamorde M, Oseku E, King R, Owarwo N, Laker E, Orama R, Castelnuovo B, Kiragga A, Parkes-Ratanshi R. An Interactive Voice Response Software to Improve the Quality of Life of People Living With HIV in Uganda: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e22229. [PMID: 33570497 PMCID: PMC7906832 DOI: 10.2196/22229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Following the successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the focus is now on ensuring good quality of life (QoL) and sustained viral suppression in people living with HIV. The access to mobile technology in the most burdened countries is increasing rapidly, and therefore, mobile health (mHealth) technologies could be leveraged to improve QoL in people living with HIV. However, data on the impact of mHealth tools on the QoL in people living with HIV are limited to the evaluation of SMS text messaging; these are infeasible in high-illiteracy settings. Objective The primary and secondary outcomes were to determine the impact of interactive voice response (IVR) technology on Medical Outcomes Study HIV QoL scores and viral suppression at 12 months, respectively. Methods Within the Call for Life study, ART-experienced and ART-naïve people living with HIV commencing ART were randomized (1:1 ratio) to the control (no IVR support) or intervention arm (daily adherence and pre-appointment reminders, health information tips, and option to report symptoms). The software evaluated was Call for Life Uganda, an IVR technology that is based on the Mobile Technology for Community Health open-source software. Eligibility criteria for participation included access to a phone, fluency in local languages, and provision of consent. The differences in differences (DIDs) were computed, adjusting for baseline HIV RNA and CD4. Results Overall, 600 participants (413 female, 68.8%) were enrolled and followed-up for 12 months. In the intervention arm of 300 participants, 298 (99.3%) opted for IVR and 2 (0.7%) chose SMS text messaging as the mode of receiving reminders and health tips. At 12 months, there was no overall difference in the QoL between the intervention and control arms (DID=0.0; P=.99) or HIV RNA (DID=0.01; P=.94). At 12 months, 124 of the 256 (48.4%) active participants had picked up at least 50% of the calls. In the active intervention participants, high users (received >75% of reminders) had overall higher QoL compared to low users (received <25% of reminders) (92.2 versus 87.8, P=.02). Similarly, high users also had higher QoL scores in the mental health domain (93.1 versus 86.8, P=.008) and better appointment keeping. Similarly, participants with moderate use (51%-75%) had better viral suppression at 12 months (80/94, 85% versus 11/19, 58%, P=.006). Conclusions Overall, there was high uptake and acceptability of the IVR tool. While we found no overall difference in the QoL and viral suppression between study arms, people living with HIV with higher usage of the tool showed greater improvements in QoL, viral suppression, and appointment keeping. With the declining resources available to HIV programs and the increasing number of people living with HIV accessing ART, IVR technology could be used to support patient care. The tool may be helpful in situations where physical consultations are infeasible, including the current COVID epidemic. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02953080; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02953080
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Affiliation(s)
- Dathan Mirembe Byonanebye
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,The Academy for Health Innovations, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria S Nabaggala
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Bwanika Naggirinya
- The Academy for Health Innovations, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohammed Lamorde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Oseku
- The Academy for Health Innovations, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel King
- The Academy for Health Innovations, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noela Owarwo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eva Laker
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Orama
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- The Academy for Health Innovations, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Cambridge Institute of Public Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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12
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Thames AD, Neilands TB, Damulira C, Mukasa B, Brathwaite R, Mellins C, Santelli J, Brown D, Guo S, Namatovu P, Kiyingi J, Namuwonge F, McKay MM. Suubi+Adherence-Round 2: A study protocol to examine the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV transitioning into young adulthood in Southern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:179. [PMID: 33478469 PMCID: PMC7818782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) are less likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other health-related regimens. As a consequence, YLHIV are not only at risk for health problems and mental health comorbidities, but are also at risk for cognitive deficits, including in areas of memory and executive functioning. The Suubi+Adherence study followed 702 adolescents (10-16 years of age) receiving bolstered standard of care and a family economic empowerment intervention comprising an incentivized youth financial savings account (YSA) augmented with financial literacy training (FLT) and peer mentorship. The study findings pointed to superior short-term viral suppression and positive adolescent health and mental health functioning among participants receiving the intervention. The original group of adolescents who received Suubi+Adherence are now transitioning into young adulthood. This paper presents a protocol for the follow-up phase titled Suubi+Adherence Round 2. METHODS The original cohort in Suubi+Adherence will be tracked for an additional five years (2020-2025). Specifically, the long term follow-up will allow to: 1) ascertain the extent to which the short term outcomes identified in the first 6 years of the intervention are maintained as the same group transitions through young adulthood; and 2) address new scientific questions regarding ART adherence; HIV care engagement; protective health behaviors; and the potential of FEE to mitigate the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in YLHIV. Additionally, the team examines the potential mechanisms through which the observed long-term outcomes happen. Moreover, the Suubi+Adherence-Round 2 adds a qualitative component and extends the cost effectiveness component. DISCUSSION Guided by asset and human development theories, Suubi+Adherence-R2 will build on the recently concluded Suubi+Adherence study to conduct one of the largest and longest running studies of YLHIV in SSA as they transition into young adulthood. The study will address new scientific questions regarding long-term ART adherence, HIV care engagement, protective health behaviors, and the potential of FEE to mitigate the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in YLHIV. The findings may inform efforts to improve HIV care among Uganda's YLHIV, with potential replicability in other low-resource countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , ID: NCT01790373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - April D Thames
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, 3620 S. McClintock Avenue Rm 520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Barbara Mukasa
- Mildmay Uganda, 12 Km Entebbe Road, Naziba Hill, Lweza, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Claude Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical & Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - John Santelli
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Ave B-4 Suite 432, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Derek Brown
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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13
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Utility of Short Message Service (SMS) for Remote Data Collection for HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:654-662. [PMID: 33010003 PMCID: PMC7532340 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Short message system (SMS) communication is widespread in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and may be a viable approach to address challenges with in-person data collection for HIV-related research and monitoring and evaluation. We reviewed the literature to characterize potential benefits and challenges with using SMS for remote data capture, including examples from HIV and sexual and reproductive health. RECENT FINDINGS In our review, we found that studies that have used SMS to capture sensitive, self-reported data found this was an acceptable and feasible strategy, and may reduce social desirability bias of self-reported data; but studies are limited. Shared phones and privacy concerns have been described as challenges, but can be addressed with enhanced security features. Response rates to SMS surveys varied significantly by topic, population, and setting. SMS may improve generalizability and precision of health and behavior data for HIV in research and programs, but use in LMICs is limited. SMS systems should be carefully designed to overcome potential implementation hurdles.
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14
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Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Glass NE, Labrique A, Davoust M, Ssewamala FM, Linnemayr S, Johnson MW. Feasibility of Assessing Economic and Sexual Risk Behaviors Using Text Message Surveys in African-American Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness and Unemployment: Single-Group Study. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e14833. [PMID: 32706656 PMCID: PMC7395246 DOI: 10.2196/14833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Text messages offer the potential to better evaluate HIV behavioral interventions using repeated longitudinal measures at a lower cost and research burden. However, they have been underused in US minority settings. Objective This study aims to examine the feasibility of assessing economic and sexual risk behaviors using text message surveys. Methods We conducted a single-group study with 17 African-American young adults, aged 18-24 years, who were economically disadvantaged and reported prior unprotected sex. Participants received a text message survey once each week for 5 weeks. The survey contained 14 questions with yes-no and numeric responses on sexual risk behaviors (ie, condomless sex, sex while high or drunk, and sex exchange) and economic behaviors (ie, income, employment, and money spent on HIV services or products). Feasibility measures were the number of participants who responded to the survey in a given week, the number of questions to which a participant responded in each survey, and the number of hours spent from sending a survey to participants to receiving their response in a given week. One discussion group was used to obtain feedback. Results Overall, 65% (n=11/17) of the participants responded to at least one text message survey compared with 35% (n=6/17) of the participants who did not respond. The majority (n=7/11, 64%) of the responders were women. The majority (n=4/6, 67%) of nonresponders were men. An average of 7.6 participants (69%) responded in a given week. Response rates among ever responders ranged from 64% to 82% across the study period. The mean number of questions answered each week was 12.6 (SD 2.7; 90% of all questions), ranging from 72% to 100%. An average of 6.4 participants (84%) answered all 14 text message questions in a given week, ranging from 57% to 100%. Participants responded approximately 8.7 hours (SD 10.3) after receiving the survey. Participants were more likely to answer questions related to employment, condomless sex, and discussions with sex partners. Nonresponse or skip was more often used for questions at the end of the survey relating to sex exchange and money spent on HIV prevention services or products. Strengths of the text message survey were convenience, readability, short completion time, having repeated measures over time, and having incentives. Conclusions Longitudinal text message surveys may be a valuable tool for assessing HIV-related economic and sexual risk behaviors. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03237871; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03237871
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nancy E Glass
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Melissa Davoust
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- The Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Matthew W Johnson
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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15
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Yasmin F, Nahar N, Banu B, Ali L, Sauerborn R, Souares A. The influence of mobile phone-based health reminders on patient adherence to medications and healthy lifestyle recommendations for effective management of diabetes type 2: a randomized control trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:520. [PMID: 32513164 PMCID: PMC7282058 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, 80% of 425 million adults with diabetes worldwide were living in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes affected 6.9 million adults in Bangladesh and accounted for 3% of the country's total mortality. Proper management of diabetes is the key to positive health outcomes. This study investigated how mobile phone-based health intervention could increase patient adherence and thereby improve the disease outcomes for diabetes type 2 in Bangladesh. METHODS A mobile phone-based health project (including mobile phone reminders and 24/7 call center) was implemented in Dhaka District, Bangladesh from January to December 2014. A randomized control trial was carried out, recruiting randomly in intervention and control groups among the patients receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes at the Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 320 patients from both groups at baseline and 273 at endline were interviewed. RESULTS A significant improvement in patient adherence to diet, physical exercise, the cessation of use of tobacco and betel nut, and blood glycaemic control was found in the intervention group, whereas no such significant improvement was found in the control group. Cost and other co-morbidities were found to be the main reasons for non-adherence. CONCLUSION A mobile-health intervention should be considered as an additional option for non-communicable disease programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Yasmin
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | | | - Bilkis Banu
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liaquat Ali
- Pothikrit Institute of Health Studies, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aurélia Souares
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Drake AL, Begnel E, Pintye J, Kinuthia J, Wagner AD, Rothschild CW, Otieno F, Kemunto V, Baeten JM, John-Stewart G. The Utility of SMS to Report Male Partner HIV Self-testing Outcomes Among Women Seeking Reproductive Health Services in Kenya: Cohort Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e15281. [PMID: 32209530 PMCID: PMC7142744 DOI: 10.2196/15281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Use of SMS for data collection is expanding, but coverage, bias, and logistical constraints are poorly described. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the use of SMS to capture clinical outcomes that occur at home and identify potential biases in reporting compared to in-person ascertainment. Methods In the PrEP Implementation in Young Women and Adolescents program, which integrated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into antenatal care, postnatal care, and family planning facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya, HIV-negative women 14 years of age or older were offered oral HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) to take home to male partners. Women that brought a phone with a Safaricom SIM to the clinic were offered registration in an automated SMS system (mSurvey) to collect information on HIVST outcomes. Women were asked if they offered the test to their male partners, and asked about the test process and results. HIVST outcomes were collected via SMS (sent 2.5 weeks later), in-person (if women returned for a follow-up scheduled 1 month later), or using both methods (if women initiated PrEP, they also had scheduled follow-up visits). The SMS prompted women to reply at no charge. HIVST outcomes were compared between women with scheduled follow-up visits and those without (follow-up visits were only scheduled for women who initiated PrEP). HIVST outcomes were also compared between women reporting via SMS and in-person. Results Among 2123 women offered HIVSTs and mSurvey registration, 486 (23.89%) accepted HIVSTs, of whom 359 (73.87%) were eligible for mSurvey. Additionally, 76/170 (44.7%) women with scheduled follow-up visits and 146/189 (77.3%) without scheduled follow-up visits registered in mSurvey. Among the 76 women with scheduled follow-ups, 62 (82%) had HIVST outcomes collected: 19 (31%) in-person, 20 (32%) by SMS, and 23 (37%) using both methods. Among the 146 women without scheduled visits, 87 (59.6%) had HIVST outcomes collected: 3 (3%) in-person, 82 (94%) by SMS, and 2 (2%) using both methods. SMS increased the collection of HIVST outcomes substantially for women with scheduled follow-up visits (1.48-fold), and captured 82 additional reports from women without scheduled follow-up visits. Among 222 women with reported HIVST outcomes, frequencies of offering partners the HIVST (85/95, 89% in-person vs 96/102, 94% SMS; P=.31), partners using the HIVST (83/85, 98% vs 92/96, 96%; P=.50), women using HIVST with partners (82/83, 99% vs 91/92, 99%; P=.94), and seeing partner’s HIVST results (82/83, 99% vs 89/92, 97%; P=.56) were similar between women reporting in-person only versus by SMS only. However, frequency of reports of experiencing harm or negative reactions from partners was more commonly reported in the SMS group (17/102, 16.7% vs 2/85, 2%; P=.003). Barriers to the SMS system registration included not having a Safaricom SIM or a functioning phone. Conclusions Our results suggest that the use of SMS substantially improves completeness of outcome data, does not bias reporting of nonsensitive information, and may increase reporting of sensitive information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Drake
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emily Begnel
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jillian Pintye
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John Kinuthia
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Claire W Rothschild
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Felix Otieno
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Valarie Kemunto
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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Yasmin F, Ali L, Banu B, Rasul FB, Sauerborn R, Souares A. Understanding patients' experience living with diabetes type 2 and effective disease management: a qualitative study following a mobile health intervention in Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:29. [PMID: 31918704 PMCID: PMC6953219 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, 425 million adults worldwide had diabetes; 80% were living in low and middle-income countries. Bangladesh had 6.9 million adults with diabetes; death from diabetes comprised 3% of the country's total mortality. This study looked at different factors (personal, familial, social, and financial) affecting both the life of patients with diabetes type 2 and the management of the disease. It also explored patient's perception of the mobile health intervention in the context of disease management and helped to explain the findings obtained from the quantitative part of this study. METHOD The study was a mixed-method, sequential explanatory design. A mobile health project (interactive voice call and call center) was implemented in Dhaka district, Bangladesh from January to December, 2014. Patients received treatment at the outpatient department of Bangladesh Institute of Health Science Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were included in intervention and control groups of the main study following a Randomized Control Trial. Among them, a total of 18 patients (9 + 9) were selected purposefully for the qualitative study, which was conducted in July, 2015. The sample was selected purposefully considering the age, sex, socio-economic status and proximity of living due to the political instability of the country during the data collection period. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed applying investigator triangulation. RESULTS Most patients stated that diabetes has affected their lives. In general, both groups´ evaluation of mobile health services were good and both regarded the recommendations for medication, diet, physical exercise, and other lifestyle behaviors (use of tobacco and betel nuts) as helpful. The cost of overall treatment (medications, physician consultations, laboratory investigations), the lack of availability of safe public places for physical exercise and unfavorable weather conditions (heat, rainfall) were mentioned as barriers to the overall management of the disease. CONCLUSION A patient-centered mobile health intervention supported by a collaborative patient-provider relationship, a strong family support system, available public spaces for exercise and the introduction of a functional public health insurance system could be beneficial for the better management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Yasmin
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, University Witten/Herdecke, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - L Ali
- Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Mirpur-1, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - B Banu
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F B Rasul
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - R Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Souares
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Zhang Q, Qiao S, Yang X, Li X. Antiretroviral Concentration in Hair as a Measure for Antiretroviral Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review of Global Literature. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:311-330. [PMID: 30877582 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to validate hair antiretroviral concentration (HAC) as a measure for antiretroviral medication adherence. This review included 31 studies that analyzed a total of 11 ARV drugs in four different drug classes. The associations between HAC and non-pharmacokinetic measures were generally lower than the association between HAC and other pharmacokinetic measures: the correlation coefficients (r) ranged from - 0.20 to 0.38 for self-report or pill counts and 0.20 to 0.85 for electronic drug monitoring; HAC and other pharmacokinetic measures were positively correlated with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.20 to 0.72, 0.34 to 0.86, 0.50 to 0.85 for antiretroviral concentration in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and dried blood spots, respectively. HAC was one of the strongest independent predictors of virologic responses. HAC of tenofovir was significantly associated with renal toxicity in large sample studies. This review suggests that HAC is a valid biomarker of antiretroviral medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA.
- Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Xueying Yang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USA
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19
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Hirasen K, Evans D, Jinga N, Grabe R, Turner J, Mashamaite S, Long LC, Fox MP. Using a Self-Administered Electronic Adherence Questionnaire to Identify Poor Adherence Amongst Adolescents and Young Adults on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:133-151. [PMID: 32021124 PMCID: PMC6987979 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s210404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The best method to measure adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings has not yet been established, particularly among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The use of mobile technology may address the need for standardized tools in measuring adherence in this often marginalized population. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional validation study among AYAs (18-35 years) attending a South African HIV clinic between 07/2015-09/2017. We determine the diagnostic accuracy of two modes of delivering an adherence questionnaire (self-administered electronic vs interviewer-administered paper-adherence questionnaire) comprising two self-reported adherence tools (South African National Department of Health (NDoH) adherence questionnaire and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ)) to identify poor adherence compared to; 1) a detectable viral load (≥1000 copies/mL) and 2) a sub-optimal concentration of efavirenz (EFV) (EFV ≤1.00 µg/mL) measured by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). RESULTS Of 278 included participants, 7.1% and 7.3% completing the electronic- and paper-questionnaires had a detectable viral load, while 14.7% and 16.5% had a sub-optimal concentration of EFV, respectively. According to viral load monitoring, the electronic-adherence questionnaire had a higher sensitivity (Se) in detecting poor adherence than the paper-based version across the NDoH adherence questionnaire (Se: 63.6% vs 33.3%) and SMAQ (Se: 90.9% vs 66.7%). In contrast, when using blood drug concentration (EFV ≤1.00 µg/mL), the paper-adherence questionnaire produced a higher sensitivity across both adherence tools; namely the NDoH adherence questionnaire (Se: 50.0% vs 38.1%) and SMAQ (Se: 75.0% vs 57.1%). CONCLUSION When using more accurate real-time measures of poor adherence such as TDM in this young adult population, we observe a higher sensitivity of an interviewer-administered paper-adherence questionnaire than an identical set of self-administered adherence questions on an electronic tablet. An interviewer-administered questionnaire may elicit more accurate responses from participants through a sense of increased accountability when engaging with health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamban Hirasen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Denise Evans
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Correspondence: Denise Evans Tel +27 10 001 0637 Email
| | - Nelly Jinga
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rita Grabe
- Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Lawrence C Long
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Ssewamala FM, Byansi W, Bahar OS, Nabunya P, Neilands TB, Mellins C, McKay M, Namuwonge F, Mukasa M, Makumbi FE, Nakigozi G. Suubi+Adherence study protocol: A family economic empowerment intervention addressing HIV treatment adherence for perinatally infected adolescents. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 16:100463. [PMID: 31872152 PMCID: PMC6915750 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 1.8 million children<15 years are living with HIV. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as a region, is heavily burdened by HIV, with 90% of new infections among children happening there. Within SSA, Uganda has an HIV prevalence of 7.2% among 15-49-year-olds, with high prevalence in Masaka region (12%). Uganda also reports unprecedented numbers of perinatally HIV-infected children, with close to 150,000 children (ages 0-14) living with HIV (CLHA). However adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children and youth is poor, and has been attributed to economic insecurity, including lack of finances for transportation to clinic appointments, inadequate meals to support medication consumption, and resource prioritization towards school expenses. Yet, few programs aimed at addressing ART adherence have applied combination interventions to address economic stability and ART Adherence within the traditional framework of health education and HIV care. This paper describes a study protocol for a 5-year, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) funded, cluster randomized-controlled trial to evaluate a combination intervention, titled Suubi + Adherence, aimed at improving ART adherence among HIV perinatally infected adolescents (ages 10-16 at study enrollment) in Uganda. METHODS Suubi + Adherence was evaluated via a two-arm cluster randomized-controlled trial design in 39 health clinics, with a total enrollment of 702 HIV + adolescents (ages 10-16 at enrollment). The study addresses two primary outcomes: 1) adherence to HIV treatment regimen and 2) HIV knowledge and attitudes. Secondary outcomes include family functioning, sexual risk-taking behavior, and financial savings behavior. For potential scale-up, cost effectiveness analysis was employed to compare the relative costs and outcomes associated with each study arm: family economic strengthening comprising matched savings accounts, financial management training and small business development, all intended for family economic security versus bolstered usual care (SOC) comprising enhanced adherence sessions to ensure more standardized and sufficient adherence counseling. DISCUSSION This study aims to advance knowledge and inform the development of the next generation of programs aimed at increasing adherence to HIV treatment for HIV + adolescents in low-resource regions such as SSA. To our knowledge, the proposed study is the first to integrate and test family economic empowerment and stability-focused interventions for HIV + adolescents in Uganda (and much of SSA)-so families would have the necessary finances to manage HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness. The study would provide crucial evidence about the effects of an economic empowerment program on short and long-term impact, which is essential if such interventions are to be taken to scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT01790373) on 13 February 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary McKay
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Miriam Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
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Naslund JA, Gonsalves PP, Gruebner O, Pendse SR, Smith SL, Sharma A, Raviola G. Digital Innovations for Global Mental Health: Opportunities for Data Science, Task Sharing, and Early Intervention. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2019; 6:337-351. [PMID: 32457823 PMCID: PMC7250369 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Globally, individuals living with mental disorders are more likely to have access to a mobile phone than mental health care. In this commentary, we highlight opportunities for expanding access to and use of digital technologies to advance research and intervention in mental health, with emphasis on the potential impact in lower resource settings. RECENT FINDINGS Drawing from empirical evidence, largely from higher income settings, we considered three emerging areas where digital technology will potentially play a prominent role: supporting methods in data science to further our understanding of mental health and inform interventions, task sharing for building workforce capacity by training and supervising non-specialist health workers, and facilitating new opportunities for early intervention for young people in lower resource settings. Challenges were identified related to inequities in access, threats of bias in big data analyses, risks to users, and need for user involvement to support engagement and sustained use of digital interventions. SUMMARY For digital technology to achieve its potential to transform the ways we detect, treat, and prevent mental disorders, there is a clear need for continued research involving multiple stakeholders, and rigorous studies showing that these technologies can successfully drive measurable improvements in mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Naslund
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Oliver Gruebner
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sachin R. Pendse
- Microsoft Research India, Bangalore, India
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Interactive Computing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Raviola
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Yé M, Kagoné M, Sié A, Bagagnan C, Sanou H, Millogo O, Duclos V, Tinto I, Bibeau G. Promoting access equity and improving health care for women, children and people living with HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso through mHealth. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019; 40:ii42-ii51. [PMID: 30551129 PMCID: PMC6294034 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Burkina Faso, access to health services for women, children and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) remains limited. Mobile telephony offers an alternative solution for reaching these individuals. The objective of the study was to improve equity of access to health care and information among women and PLWHAs by reinforcing community participation. Methods Using a quasi-experimental approach, a mobile telephone system was set up at five health centres to provide an automated reminder service for health care consultation appointments. Performance evaluations based on key performance indicators were subsequently conducted. Results A total of 1501 pregnant women and 301 PLWHAs were registered and received appointment reminders. A 7.34% increase in prenatal coverage, an 84% decrease in loss to follow-up for HIV (P < 0.001) and a 31% increase in assisted deliveries in 2016 (P < 0.0001) were observed in intervention areas. However, there was no statistically significant difference between intervention site and control site (P= 0.451 > 0.05) at post-intervention. Efforts to involve community members in decision-making processes contributed to improved health system governance. Conclusion Mhealth may improve maternal and child health and the health of PLWHAs. However, establishment of a mHealth system requires taking into account community dynamics and potential technological challenges. Keywords access to care, Burkina Faso, equity, health system governance, mobile telephony, Nouna
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yé
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - M Kagoné
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - A Sié
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - C Bagagnan
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - H Sanou
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - O Millogo
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - V Duclos
- Assistant Professor, Center for Science, Technology and Society, Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - I Tinto
- Nouna Health Research Centre, BP 02, Province de la Kossi, Burkina Faso
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Cele MA, Archary M. Acceptability of short text messages to support treatment adherence among adolescents living with HIV in a rural and urban clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. South Afr J HIV Med 2019; 20:976. [PMID: 31616573 PMCID: PMC6779962 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of mobile communication technologies (mHealth) has improved adherence and viral suppression among HIV-infected adults. Adolescents have disproportionally lower levels of adherence and viral suppression compared with adults, potentially impacting the goal of 90% viral suppression by 2030. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of using short message service (SMS)-based mHealth interventions as a tool to improve adherence in HIV-infected adolescents in a rural and urban clinic in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Method A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 100 participants was conducted in a rural and urban clinic in KZN, from January 2018 to June 2019. Fifty participants were sequentially enrolled from each clinic. A questionnaire was self-administered with the assistance of the treating clinician depending on the adolescent's level of understanding. Informed consent was obtained from guardians and questionnaires were anonymised. Appropriate descriptive and comparative statistics were used. Results The mean age of participants was 15 years, with 88% having access to a mobile device (MOD). There was no significant difference in MOD ownership between rural and urban participants. Majority of participants (65%) were willing to receive SMS-based adherence support with no difference between rural and urban area. Conclusion With high rates of MOD ownership and acceptability (willingness to use mHealth to improve health status), SMS-based mHealth interventions have the potential to improve adherence and viral suppression in adolescents living with HIV in both rural and urban KZN. Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to further explore these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthokozisi A Cele
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moherndran Archary
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Acceptability and feasibility of digital technology for training community health workers to deliver brief psychological treatment for depression in rural India. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 45:99-106. [PMID: 31557716 PMCID: PMC6810794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital technology offers opportunities to train community health workers to deliver psychological treatments towards closing the gap in existing mental health services in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of using digital technology for training community health workers to deliver evidence-based brief psychological treatment for depression in rural India. METHODS This study consisted of two sequential evaluations of digital training prototypes using focus group discussions to explore community health worker perspectives about the digital training platform and the program content. Through an iterative design process, feedback was collected about the first prototype to inform modifications to the second prototype. Qualitative data was analyzed using a framework analysis approach. RESULTS Thirty-two community health workers participated in three separate focus group discussions. Five overarching themes related to acceptability and feasibility of digital training revealed that training on detection and treatment of depression was considered important by study participants for addressing 'stress' and 'tension' within their communities, while the digital platform was viewed as useful and convenient despite limited familiarity with using digital technology. Moreover, participants suggested simple language for the program and use of interactive content and images to increase interest and improve engagement. DISCUSSION Digital technology appears acceptable and feasible for supporting training of community health workers to deliver evidence-based depression care in rural India. These findings can inform use of technology as a tool for developing the clinical skills of community health workers for treating depression in low-resource settings.
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Tediosi F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. VIBRA trial - Effect of village-based refill of ART following home-based same-day ART initiation vs clinic-based ART refill on viral suppression among individuals living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. Trials 2019; 20:522. [PMID: 31439004 PMCID: PMC6704675 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for evaluating community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models to improve overall performance of HIV programs, specifically in populations that may have difficulties to access continuous care. This cluster-randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent differentiated ART delivery model (VIBRA model) after home-based same-day ART initiation in remote villages in Lesotho, southern Africa. METHODS/DESIGN The VIBRA trial (VIllage-Based Refill of ART) is a cluster-randomized parallel-group superiority clinical trial conducted in two districts in Lesotho, southern Africa. Clusters (i.e., villages) are randomly assigned to either the VIBRA model or standard care. The clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Eligible individuals (HIV-positive, aged 10 years or older, and not taking ART) identified during community-based HIV testing campaigns are offered same-day home-based ART initiation. The intervention clusters offer a differentiated ART delivery package with two features: (1) drug refills and follow-ups by trained and supervised village health workers (VHWs) and (2) the option of receiving individually tailored adherence reminders and notifications of viral load results via SMS. The control clusters will continue to receive standard care, i.e., collecting ART refills from a clinic and no SMS notifications. The primary endpoint is viral suppression 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include linkage to and engagement in care. Furthermore, safety and cost-effectiveness analyses plus qualitative research are planned. The minimum target sample size is 262 participants. The statistical analyses will follow the CONSORT guidelines. The VIBRA trial is linked to another trial, the HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial, both of which are within the GET ON (GETing tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The VIBRA trial is among the first to evaluate the delivery of ART by VHWs immediately after ART initiation. It assesses the entire HIV care cascade from testing to viral suppression. As most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have cadres like the VHW program in Lesotho, this model-if shown to be effective-has the potential to be scaled up. The system impact evaluation will provide valuable cost estimations, and the qualitative research will suggest how the model could be further modified to optimize its impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03630549 . Registered on 15 August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Ggita JM, Ojok C, Meyer AJ, Farr K, Shete PB, Ochom E, Turimumahoro P, Babirye D, Mark D, Dowdy D, Ackerman S, Armstrong-Hough M, Nalugwa T, Ayakaka I, Moore D, Haberer JE, Cattamanchi A, Katamba A, Davis JL. Patterns of usage and preferences of users for tuberculosis-related text messages and voice calls in Uganda. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2019; 22:530-536. [PMID: 29663958 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.17.0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information exists about mobile phone usage or preferences for tuberculosis (TB) related health communications in Uganda. METHODS We surveyed household contacts of TB patients in urban Kampala, Uganda, and clinic patients in rural central Uganda. Questions addressed mobile phone access, usage, and preferences for TB-related communications. We collected qualitative data about messaging preferences. RESULTS We enrolled 145 contacts and 203 clinic attendees. Most contacts (58%) and clinic attendees (75%) owned a mobile phone, while 42% of contacts and 10% of clinic attendees shared one; 94% of contacts and clinic attendees knew how to receive a short messaging service (SMS) message, but only 59% of contacts aged 45 years (vs. 96% of contacts aged <45 years, P = 0.0001) did so. All contacts and 99% of clinic attendees were willing and capable of receiving personal-health communications by SMS. Among contacts, 55% preferred detailed messages disclosing test results, while 45% preferred simple messages requesting a clinic visit to disclose results. CONCLUSIONS Most urban household TB contacts and rural clinic attendees reported having access to a mobile phone and willingness to receive TB-related personal-health communications by voice call or SMS. However, frequent phone sharing and variable messaging abilities and preferences suggest a need to tailor the design and monitoring of mHealth interventions to target recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C Ojok
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - A J Meyer
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - K Farr
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA; Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - P B Shete
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA; Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - E Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - P Turimumahoro
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Babirye
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Mark
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Dowdy
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - S Ackerman
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - M Armstrong-Hough
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - T Nalugwa
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - I Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Moore
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, England, UK
| | - J E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Cattamanchi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA; Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - A Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J L Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Muwonge TR, Ngure K, Katabira E, Mugo N, Kimemia G, O'Rourke Burns BF, Musinguzi N, Bambia F, Baeten JM, Heffron R, Haberer JE, Haberer JE. Short Message Service (SMS) Surveys Assessing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Adherence and Sexual Behavior are Highly Acceptable Among HIV-Uninfected Members of Serodiscordant Couples in East Africa: A Mixed Methods Study. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1267-1276. [PMID: 30406335 PMCID: PMC6504627 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Short message service (SMS) surveys are a promising data collection method and were used to measure sexual behavior and adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-uninfected partners of serodiscordant couples enrolled in a sub-study of the Partners Demonstration Project (an open-label study of integrated antiretroviral therapy and PrEP for HIV prevention in Kenya and Uganda). Questionnaires were completed by 142 participants after study exit. Median age was 29 years; 69% were male. Ninety-five percent (95%) felt SMS surveys were "easy" or "very easy", 74% reported no challenges, and 72% preferred SMS surveys over in-person study visits. Qualitative interviews involving 32 participants confirmed the ease of responding to SMS surveys. Participants also indicated that surveys acted as reminders for adherence to PrEP and condom use and were experienced as support from the study. SMS surveys were generally found to be acceptable in this population and provided real-time context of PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Centers for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Grace Kimemia
- Centers for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Felix Bambia
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Ali SH, Luo R, Li Y, Liu X, Tang C, Zhang P. Application of Mobile Health Technologies Aimed at Salt Reduction: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13250. [PMID: 30994467 PMCID: PMC6492062 DOI: 10.2196/13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High salt consumption has contributed to the rise of noncommunicable diseases around the world. The application of mobile health (mHealth) technologies has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. However, evidence to support mHealth interventions to confront the challenge of salt reduction has not yet been critically reviewed. Objective The aim of this study was to identify, characterize, and evaluate mHealth interventions aimed at salt reduction across the world. Methods A systematic search of studies in English or Chinese language published from January 1, 1992 to July 31, 2017 was conducted using 4 English databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Global Health, and Cochrane) and 3 Chinese databases (Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal, and China National Knowledge of Infrastructure). All studies directly using mobile technologies in health care with a primary or secondary objective of reducing dietary salt consumption were included. Results A total of 1609 articles were found using the search strategy, with 11 full articles (8 English and 3 Chinese) being included for data extraction, including 11 interventional studies. Overall, few high-quality interventions were identified. Most interventions were limited by small study population sample sizes, lack of control groups, and short follow-up times, all of which were obstacles in generating long-term scalable approaches. Most interventions employed short message service as a platform for mHealth interventions, whereas some innovative mHealth technologies were also explored. Most interventions had a primary focus of improving awareness of dietary salt consumption. The outcome variables used to measure intervention effectiveness included 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, spot urine sampling, dietary records, and indirect behavior or knowledge indicators targeting salt consumption. Although most interventions displayed positive outcome results, none of them provided reliable evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of salt reduction. Conclusions Salt reduction in mHealth initiatives remains relatively unexplored; however, studies that did intervene on salt-reduction show the potential of mHealth as an effective intervention method. We provide 3 recommendations for future mHealth interventions in salt reduction—(1) increased use of new, innovative, and interactive mHealth technologies; (2) development of mHealth interventions with primary prevention measures and goals of salt reduction; and (3) large-scale, rigorously designed, and object-targeted clinical trials of mHealth interventions with appropriate quantitative outcome variables, in particular 24-hour urine sodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahmir H Ali
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rong Luo
- The George Institute for Global Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyao Tang
- Public Health Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Puhong Zhang
- The George Institute for Global Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Amoakoh HB, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Ansah EK, Grobbee DE, Yveoo L, Agyepong I. How and why front-line health workers (did not) use a multifaceted mHealth intervention to support maternal and neonatal healthcare decision-making in Ghana. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001153. [PMID: 30997162 PMCID: PMC6441261 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite increasing use of mHealth interventions, there remains limited documentation of 'how and why' they are used and therefore the explanatory mechanisms behind observed effects on beneficiary health outcomes. We explored 'how and why' an mHealth intervention to support clinical decision-making by front-line providers of maternal and neonatal healthcare services in a low-resource setting was used. The intervention consisted of phone calls (voice calls), text messaging (short messaging service (SMS)), internet access (data) and access to emergency obstetric and neonatal protocols via an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). It was delivered through individual-use and shared facility mobile phones with unique Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards networked in a Closed User Group. Methods A single case study with multiple embedded subunits of analysis within the context of a cluster randomised controlled trial of the impact of the intervention on neonatal health outcomes in the Eastern Region of Ghana was performed. We quantitatively analysed SIM card activity data for patterns of voice calls, SMS, data and USSD. We conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions with intervention users and manually analysed the data for themes. Results Overall, the phones were predominantly used for voice calls (64%), followed by data (28%), SMS (5%) and USSD (2%), respectively. Over time, use of all intervention components declined. Qualitative analysis showed that individual health worker factors (demographics, personal and work-related needs, perceived timeliness of intervention, tacit knowledge), organisational factors (resource availability, information flow, availability, phone ownership), technological factors (attrition of phones, network quality) and client perception of health worker intervention usage explain the pattern of intervention use observed. Conclusion How and why the mHealth intervention was used (or not) went beyond the technology itself and was influenced by individual and context-specific factors. These must be taken into account in designing similar interventions to optimise effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Yveoo
- Ghana Health Service, Research and Development Division, Dodowa Research Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Irene Agyepong
- Ghana Health Service, Research and Development Division, Dodowa Research Centre, Accra, Ghana
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Zhang J, Tüshaus L, Nuño Martínez N, Moreo M, Verastegui H, Hartinger SM, Mäusezahl D, Karlen W. Data Integrity-Based Methodology and Checklist for Identifying Implementation Risks of Physiological Sensing in Mobile Health Projects: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e11896. [PMID: 30552079 PMCID: PMC6315242 DOI: 10.2196/11896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to bring health care closer to people with otherwise limited access to adequate health care. However, physiological monitoring using mobile medical sensors is not yet widely used as adding biomedical sensors to mHealth projects inherently introduces new challenges. Thus far, no methodology exists to systematically evaluate these implementation challenges and identify the related risks. Objective This study aimed to facilitate the implementation of mHealth initiatives with mobile physiological sensing in constrained health systems by developing a methodology to systematically evaluate potential challenges and implementation risks. Methods We performed a quantitative analysis of physiological data obtained from a randomized household intervention trial that implemented sensor-based mHealth tools (pulse oximetry combined with a respiratory rate assessment app) to monitor health outcomes of 317 children (aged 6-36 months) that were visited weekly by 1 of 9 field workers in a rural Peruvian setting. The analysis focused on data integrity such as data completeness and signal quality. In addition, we performed a qualitative analysis of pretrial usability and semistructured posttrial interviews with a subset of app users (7 field workers and 7 health care center staff members) focusing on data integrity and reasons for loss thereof. Common themes were identified using a content analysis approach. Risk factors of each theme were detailed and then generalized and expanded into a checklist by reviewing 8 mHealth projects from the literature. An expert panel evaluated the checklist during 2 iterations until agreement between the 5 experts was achieved. Results Pulse oximetry signals were recorded in 78.36% (12,098/15,439) of subject visits where tablets were used. Signal quality decreased for 1 and increased for 7 field workers over time (1 excluded). Usability issues were addressed and the workflow was improved. Users considered the app easy and logical to use. In the qualitative analysis, we constructed a thematic map with the causes of low data integrity. We sorted them into 5 main challenge categories: environment, technology, user skills, user motivation, and subject engagement. The obtained categories were translated into detailed risk factors and presented in the form of an actionable checklist to evaluate possible implementation risks. By visually inspecting the checklist, open issues and sources for potential risks can be easily identified. Conclusions We developed a data integrity–based methodology to assess the potential challenges and risks of sensor-based mHealth projects. Aiming at improving data integrity, implementers can focus on the evaluation of environment, technology, user skills, user motivation, and subject engagement challenges. We provide a checklist to assist mHealth implementers with a structured evaluation protocol when planning and preparing projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Tüshaus
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Néstor Nuño Martínez
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monica Moreo
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stella M Hartinger
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Daniel Mäusezahl
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Walter Karlen
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Comulada WS, Tang W, Swendeman D, Cooper A, Wacksman J. Development of an Electronic Data Collection System to Support a Large-Scale HIV Behavioral Intervention Trial: Protocol for an Electronic Data Collection System. JMIR Res Protoc 2018; 7:e10777. [PMID: 30552083 PMCID: PMC6315223 DOI: 10.2196/10777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advancing technology has increased functionality and permitted more complex study designs for behavioral interventions. Investigators need to keep pace with these technological advances for electronic data capture (EDC) systems to be appropriately executed and utilized at full capacity in research settings. Mobile technology allows EDC systems to collect near real-time data from study participants, deliver intervention directly to participants’ mobile devices, monitor staff activity, and facilitate near real-time decision making during study implementation. Objective This paper presents the infrastructure of an EDC system designed to support a multisite HIV biobehavioral intervention trial in Los Angeles and New Orleans: the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network “Comprehensive Adolescent Research & Engagement Studies” (ATN CARES). We provide an overview of how multiple EDC functions can be integrated into a single EDC system to support large-scale intervention trials. Methods The CARES EDC system is designed to monitor and document multiple study functions, including, screening, recruitment, retention, intervention delivery, and outcome assessment. Text messaging (short message service, SMS) and nearly all data collection are supported by the EDC system. The system functions on mobile phones, tablets, and Web browsers. Results ATN CARES is enrolling study participants and collecting baseline and follow-up data through the EDC system. Besides data collection, the EDC system is being used to generate multiple reports that inform recruitment planning, budgeting, intervention quality, and field staff supervision. The system is supporting both incoming and outgoing text messages (SMS) and offers high-level data security. Intervention design details are also influenced by EDC system platform capabilities and constraints. Challenges of using EDC systems are addressed through programming updates and training on how to improve data quality. Conclusions There are three key considerations in the development of an EDC system for an intervention trial. First, it needs to be decided whether the flexibility provided by the development of a study-specific, in-house EDC system is needed relative to the utilization of an existing commercial platform that requires less in-house programming expertise. Second, a single EDC system may not provide all functionality. ATN CARES is using a main EDC system for data collection, text messaging (SMS) interventions, and case management and a separate Web-based platform to support an online peer support intervention. Decisions need to be made regarding the functionality that is crucial for the EDC system to handle and what functionality can be handled by other systems. Third, data security is a priority but needs to be balanced with the need for flexible intervention delivery. For example, ATN CARES is delivering text messages (SMS) to study participants’ mobile phones. EDC data security protocols should be developed under guidance from security experts and with formative consulting with the target study population as to their perceptions and needs. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/10777
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Affiliation(s)
- W Scott Comulada
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wenze Tang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dallas Swendeman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy Cooper
- Dimagi Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
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- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Adolescent Medicine Section, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.,College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Division of Prevention Science, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Fransisco, CA, United States
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Claborn KR, Meier E, Miller MB, Leavens EL, Brett EI, Leffingwell T. Improving adoption and acceptability of digital health interventions for HIV disease management: a qualitative study. Transl Behav Med 2018; 8:268-279. [PMID: 29385547 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibx025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease management remains a challenge for many people living with HIV (PLWH). Digital health interventions (DHIs) may assist with overcoming these challenges and reducing burdens on clinical staff; however, there is limited data regarding methods to improve uptake and acceptability of DHIs among PLWH. This qualitative study aimed to assess patient and provider perspectives on the use of DHIs and strategies to promote uptake among PLWH. Eight focus groups with patients (k = 5 groups; n = 24) and providers (k = 3 groups; n = 12) were conducted May through October of 2014. Focus groups (~90 min) followed a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis on three main themes: (a) perspectives towards the adoption and use of DHIs for HIV management; (b) perceptions of barriers and facilitators to patient usage; and (c) preferences regarding content, structure, and delivery. Analyses highlighted barriers and facilitators to DHI adoption. Patients and providers agreed that DHIs feel "impersonal" and "lack empathy," may be more effective for certain subpopulations, should be administered in the clinic setting, and should use multimodal delivery methods. Emergent themes among the providers included development of DHIs for providers as the target market and the need for culturally adapted DHIs for patient subpopulations. DHIs have potential to improve HIV management and health outcomes. DHIs should be developed in conjunction with anticipated consumers, including patients, providers, and other key stakeholders. DHIs tailored for specific HIV subpopulations are needed. Future studies should evaluate dissemination methods and marketing strategies to promote uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey R Claborn
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ellen Meier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mary Beth Miller
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleanor L Leavens
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Emma I Brett
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Thad Leffingwell
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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Duggal M, Chakrapani V, Liberti L, Satyanarayna V, Varghese M, Singh P, Ranganathan M, Chandra P, Reynolds NR. Acceptability of Mobile Phone-Based Nurse-Delivered Counseling Intervention to Improve HIV Treatment Adherence and Self-Care Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Women in India. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2018; 32:349-359. [PMID: 30179531 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the acceptability of nurse-delivered mobile phone-based counseling to support adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and self-care behaviors among HIV-positive women in India. We conducted open-ended, in-depth interviews with 27 HIV-positive women and 19 key informants at a government ART center in Karnataka, India. Data were analyzed with interpretive techniques. About half of the HIV-positive women owned a mobile phone and many had access to mobile phones of their family members. Most women perceived phone-based counseling as a personalized care approach to get information on demand. Also, women felt that they could discuss mental health issues and ask sensitive information that they would hesitate to discuss face-to-face. Findings indicate that, when compared with text messaging, mobile phone-based counseling could be a more acceptable way to engage with women on ART, especially those with limited literacy. Future studies should focus on testing mobile phone-based information/counseling and adherence interventions that take the local context into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Duggal
- Advance Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Venkatesan Chakrapani
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lauren Liberti
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Veena Satyanarayna
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Meiya Varghese
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Prabha Chandra
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nancy R. Reynolds
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Januraga PP, Reekie J, Mulyani T, Lestari BW, Iskandar S, Wisaksana R, Kusmayanti NA, Subronto YW, Widyanthini DN, Wirawan DN, Wongso LV, Sudewo AG, Sukmaningrum E, Nisa T, Prabowo BR, Law M, Cooper DA, Kaldor JM. The cascade of HIV care among key populations in Indonesia: a prospective cohort study. Lancet HIV 2018; 5:e560-e568. [PMID: 30143455 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(18)30148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indonesia has had low uptake of HIV testing and treatment. We did a study to estimate the cascade of HIV care in key populations and identify predictors of outcomes at key cascade steps. METHODS We used an observational cohort study design to recruit and follow up men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers, transgender women (known as waria in Indonesia), and people who inject drugs (PWID) diagnosed with HIV in four locations in Indonesia: Bali, Bandung, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. Recruitment, baseline, and follow-up visits were done at collaborating clinical services, including both primary care sites and hospitals. Inclusion criteria for participants included identifying as a member of a key population, age 16 years or older, not previously tested positive for HIV, and HIV positivity at baseline. All participants were offered treatment as per national guidelines, with the addition of viral load testing and completion of study-specific forms. Estimates were calculated of proportions of participants linked to care, commencing treatment, adherent to treatment, and who achieved virological suppression. We used logistic regression to investigate characteristics associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral suppression and Cox regression to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03429842. FINDINGS Between Sept 15, 2015, and Sept 30, 2016, 831 individuals were enrolled in the study, comprising 637 (77%) MSM, 116 (14%) female sex workers, 27 (3%) waria, and 51 (6%) PWID. Of those enrolled, 703 (84·6%, 95% CI 82·1-87·1) were linked to HIV care and 606 (86·2%, 83·7-88·8) who were linked with care started ART. Among participants who started treatment, 457 (75·4%, 71·8-78·9) were retained in care, of whom 325 (71·1%, 66·7-75·2) had a viral load test about 6 months after enrolment, with 294 (90·5%, 86·7-93·4) of those tested (294 [35%, 32·1-38·7] of the original cohort) virally suppressed. 146 (24%) of 606 who started treatment were lost to follow-up. People who enrolled at sites that offered both testing and treatment had a higher likelihood of treatment initiation than those who enrolled at sites offering testing only (p<0·0001 by multivariate analysis), and participants who had been linked to care and had a high school or university education were significantly more likely to achieve viral suppression than those with a primary school or lower level of education (p≤0·029 by mulivariate analysis). INTERPRETATION HIV cascade data among key populations in Indonesia show very poor rates of retention in treatment and viral suppression. Site and individual characteristics associated with initiating and continuing treatment suggest an urgent need to develop and implement effective interventions to support patients in achieving viral suppression among all people with HIV. FUNDING Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, WHO, and Indonesian Government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pande Putu Januraga
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia.
| | | | - Tri Mulyani
- Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, West Java, Indonesia
| | | | - Shelly Iskandar
- Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Nur Aini Kusmayanti
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yanri Wijayanti Subronto
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Lydia Verina Wongso
- AIDS Research Center, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Evi Sukmaningrum
- AIDS Research Center, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiara Nisa
- WHO Country Office of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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van Velthoven MH, Wang W, Wu Q, Li Y, Scherpbier RW, Du X, Chen L, Zhang Y, Car J, Rudan I. Comparison of text messaging data collection vs face-to-face interviews for public health surveys: a cluster randomized crossover study of care-seeking for childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea in rural China. J Glob Health 2018; 8:010802. [PMID: 29899982 PMCID: PMC5997366 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.08.010802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare text messaging and face-to-face interviews to conduct a survey on childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia. METHODS Caregivers of young children able to send text messages in Zhao County in rural China were included in this crossover study. Villages (clusters) were randomized into two groups using the ratio 1:1.6 to account for an expected higher drop-out in group 2. In group 1, participants first completed the face-to-face and then text messaging survey; this order was reversed in group 2. We determined data equivalence of 17 questions that were answered by participants who were the same person in both surveys. For the text messaging survey, we assessed the overall and item response rate. RESULTS We included 1014 participants between 16 and 28 March 2013: 371 in 15 villages in group 1 and 643 in 27 villages in group 2. A total of 662 (65.3%) out of 1014 participants responded (first text message question) and a significantly higher proportion who did not respond were from rural areas (P = 0.005). Of 651 participants willing to participate, 356 (54.7%) completed the text messaging survey, which was marginally significantly different between the groups (P = 0.05). In total, 409 participants took part in both surveys: 183 in group 1 and 226 in group 2. There was a significantly higher proportion of caregivers from rural areas in Zhao County in the non-responder group compared to the responder group (P = 0.004). Kappas were substantial for six (0.61-0.80), moderate for two (0.58 and 0.60), and fair for three questions (0.31, 0.35 and 0.37). The proportion of agreement was >90% for five questions; 80.0%-90.0% for five questions; 70.0%, 65.0% and 45.5%. The remaining questions had too small numbers to calculate these values. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that text messaging data collection produces data similar to data from face-to-face interviews in a middle-income setting, but the response rate was insufficient for use in public health surveys. Improving the response rate is important, because text message surveys could be of greater value in rural remote areas due to the cost-saving potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Helena van Velthoven
- Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiaozhen Du
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Zhang
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Josip Car
- Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Population Health Sciences (CePHaS), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Igor Rudan
- Centre for Population Health Sciences and Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Feasibility of Electronic Health Information and Surveillance System (eHISS) for disease symptom monitoring: A case of rural Ghana. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197756. [PMID: 29795626 PMCID: PMC5967752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current surge of mobile phone use in many African countries creates the opportunity to provide caregivers with limited access to the health care system with vital health recommendations. At the same time such communication system can be utilised to collect tempero-spatial data on disease symptoms. Objective We assessed the feasibility of an mHealth system among caregivers with children under-five years, designed as a health information and surveillance tool in a rural district of Ghana. Methods A mobile phone-based electronic health information and surveillance system was piloted from February to December 2015. Toll-free numbers were provided to 1446 caregivers, which they could call to receive health advice in case their children showed disease symptoms. The system was setup to evaluate the illness of a sick child. Symptoms reported via the system were evaluated and compared to clinician’s report after follow-up. Cogency of the reported symptoms was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results A total of 169 children with disease symptoms were identified based on phone calls from caregivers. The predominant reported symptoms were fever (64%; n = 108), cough (55%; n = 93) and diarrhoea (33%; n = 55). Temporal pattern of symptomatic cases revealed a peak saturation in the month of September, with fever registering the highest number of symptoms observed. Reported symptoms and clinician’s report revealed a very good agreement for fever (95%, kappa = 0.89); good for diarrhoea (87%, kappa = 0.73) and moderate for cough (76%, kappa = 0.49). Conclusion This pilot concept, has demonstrated the practicality of using mobile phones for assessing childhood disease symptoms and encouraging caregivers to seek early treatment for their children if needed. The strategy to use mobile phones in disease surveillance and treatment support is a promising strategy especially for areas with limited access to the health care system.
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Yamin F, Kaewkungwal J, Singhasivanon P, Lawpoolsri S. Women's Perceptions of Using Mobile Phones for Maternal and Child Health Support in Afghanistan: Cross-Sectional Survey. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e76. [PMID: 29636317 PMCID: PMC5915672 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.9504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Growing rates of global mobile subscriptions pave the way for implementation of mobile health (mHealth) initiatives, especially among hard-to-reach populations. Objective This study aimed to determine the perceptions of Afghan women regarding the use of mobile phones for maternal and child health services. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in both rural and urban districts of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants’ demographic profile, mobile phone usage, and perception of respondents toward different aspects of health care delivery via mobile phones. Results Of the 240 participants, 142 (59.2%) owned mobile phones and 220 (91.7%) routinely used mobile phones. Approximately 209 (87.1%) of participants were willing to receive health messages via a mobile phone. Automated voice call was the most preferred method for sending health messages. More than 90% of the women reported that they would like to receive reminders for their children’s vaccinations and antenatal care visits. Conclusions Users’ perception was associated with mobile phone ownership, literacy level, and experience using mobile phones. In the study area, where the literacy rate is low, mHealth was well perceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Yamin
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaranit Kaewkungwal
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saranath Lawpoolsri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Eze E, Gleasure R, Heavin C. Mobile health solutions in developing countries: a stakeholder perspective. Health Syst (Basingstoke) 2018; 9:179-201. [PMID: 32939258 PMCID: PMC7476488 DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2018.1457134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infrastructural deficiencies, limited access to medical care, and shortage of health care workers are just a few of the barriers to health care in developing countries. mHealth has the potential to overcome at least some of these challenges. To address this, a stakeholder perspective is adopted and an analysis of existing research is undertaken to look at mHealth delivery in developing countries. This study focuses on four key stakeholder groups i.e., health care workers, patients, system developers, and facilitators. A systematic review identifies 108 peer-reviewed articles, which are analysed to determine the extent these articles investigate the different types of stakeholder interactions, and to identify high-level themes emerging within these interactions. This analysis illustrates two key gaps. First, while interactions involving health care workers and/or patients have received significant attention, little research has looked at the role of patient-to-patient interactions. Second, the interactions between system developers and the other stakeholder groups are strikingly under-represented.
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The Path to Scale: Navigating Design, Policy, and Infrastructure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1251-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Technological methods to measure adherence to antiretroviral therapy and preexposure prophylaxis. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2017; 12:467-474. [PMID: 28590335 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The WHO's Consolidated Guidelines (2016) call for research on improved methods to proactively monitor adherence and identify those individuals who have the greatest needs for adherence support. This review aims to elucidate the latest technologies available to measure adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy and preexposure prophylaxis against HIV infection and present their utility in various settings and populations. RECENT FINDINGS Within the last few years, advances have been made in the features of existing technology to measure adherence (real-time electronic adherence measurements), additional approaches have been developed (digital medicine systems) and improved (short message service surveys), and point of care testing for pharmacokinetic measures are under development. SUMMARY Technology advances in adherence measurement are promising for improved accuracy and, in some cases, the ability to intervene with adherence challenges in real time. This progress will greatly further our understanding of adherence behavior, as well as the ability to effectively link interventions with individuals who need them, thus maximizing the clinical and public health benefits of both antiretroviral therapy and preexposure prophylaxis.
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Maduka O, Akpan G, Maleghemi S. Using Android and Open Data Kit Technology in Data Management for Research in Resource-Limited Settings in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Cross-Sectional Household Survey. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017; 5:e171. [PMID: 29191798 PMCID: PMC5786425 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.7827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data collection in Sub-Saharan Africa has traditionally been paper-based. However, the popularization of Android mobile devices and data capture software has brought paperless data management within reach. We used Open Data Kit (ODK) technology on Android mobile devices during a household survey in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the pros and cons of deploying ODK for data management. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional household survey was carried out by 6 data collectors between April and May 2016. Data were obtained from 1706 persons in 601 households across 6 communities in 3 states in the Niger Delta. The use of Android mobile devices and ODK technology involved form building, testing, collection, aggregation, and download for data analysis. The median duration for data collection per household and per individual was 25.7 and 9.3 min, respectively. Results Data entries per device ranged from 33 (33/1706, 1.93%) to 482 (482/1706, 28.25%) individuals between 9 (9/601, 1.5%) and 122 (122/601, 20.3%) households. The most entries (470) were made by data collector 5. Only 2 respondents had data entry errors (2/1706, 0.12%). However, 73 (73/601, 12.1%) households had inaccurate date and time entries for when data collection started and ended. The cost of deploying ODK was estimated at US $206.7 in comparison with the estimated cost of US $466.7 for paper-based data management. Conclusions We found the use of mobile data capture technology to be efficient and cost-effective. As Internet services improve in Africa, we advocate their use as effective tools for health information management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omosivie Maduka
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Akpan
- World Health Organization, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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McCarthy IO, Wojno AE, Joseph HA, Teesdale S. Check and Report Ebola (CARE) Hotline: The User Perspective of an Innovative Tool for Postarrival Monitoring of Ebola in the United States. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017; 3:e89. [PMID: 29138130 PMCID: PMC5705860 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.7817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The response to the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic included an unprecedented effort from federal, state, and local public health authorities to monitor the health of travelers entering the United States from countries with Ebola outbreaks. The Check and Report Ebola (CARE) Hotline, a novel approach to monitoring, was designed to enable travelers to report their health status daily to an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system. The system was tested with 70 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) federal employees returning from deployments in outbreak countries. Objective The objective of this study was to describe the development of the CARE Hotline as a tool for postarrival monitoring and examine the usage characteristics and user experience of the tool during a public health emergency. Methods Data were obtained from two sources. First, the CARE Hotline system produced a call log which summarized the usage characteristics of all 70 users’ daily health reports. Second, we surveyed federal employees (n=70) who used the CARE Hotline to engage in monitoring. A total of 21 (21/70, 30%) respondents were included in the survey analytic sample. Results While the CARE Hotline was used for monitoring, 70 users completed a total of 1313 calls. We found that 94.06% (1235/1313) of calls were successful, and the average call time significantly decreased from the beginning of the monitoring period to the end by 32 seconds (Z score=−6.52, P<.001). CARE Hotline call log data were confirmed by user feedback; survey results indicated that users became more familiar with the system and found the system easier to use, from the beginning to the end of their monitoring period. The majority of the users were highly satisfied (90%, 19/21) with the system, indicating ease of use and convenience as primary reasons, and would recommend it for future monitoring efforts (90%, 19/21). Conclusions The CARE Hotline garnered high user satisfaction, required minimal reporting time from users, and was an easily learned tool for monitoring. This phone-based technology can be modified for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Olin McCarthy
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Abbey E Wojno
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Heather A Joseph
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Scott Teesdale
- Innovative Support to Emergencies, Diseases, and Disasters, Sunnyvale, CA, United States
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McNairy ML, Lamb MR, Gachuhi AB, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Burke S, Mazibuko S, Okello V, Ehrenkranz P, Sahabo R, El-Sadr WM. Effectiveness of a combination strategy for linkage and retention in adult HIV care in Swaziland: The Link4Health cluster randomized trial. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002420. [PMID: 29112963 PMCID: PMC5675376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaps in the HIV care continuum contribute to poor health outcomes and increase HIV transmission. A combination of interventions targeting multiple steps in the continuum is needed to achieve the full beneficial impact of HIV treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS Link4Health, a cluster-randomized controlled trial, evaluated the effectiveness of a combination intervention strategy (CIS) versus the standard of care (SOC) on the primary outcome of linkage to care within 1 month plus retention in care at 12 months after HIV-positive testing. Ten clusters of HIV clinics in Swaziland were randomized 1:1 to CIS versus SOC. The CIS included point-of-care CD4+ testing at the time of an HIV-positive test, accelerated antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for treatment-eligible participants, mobile phone appointment reminders, health educational packages, and noncash financial incentives. Secondary outcomes included each component of the primary outcome, mean time to linkage, assessment for ART eligibility, ART initiation and time to ART initiation, viral suppression defined as HIV-1 RNA < 1,000 copies/mL at 12 months after HIV testing among patients on ART ≥6 months, and loss to follow-up and death at 12 months after HIV testing. A total of 2,197 adults aged ≥18 years, newly tested HIV positive, were enrolled from 19 August 2013 to 21 November 2014 (1,096 CIS arm; 1,101 SOC arm) and followed for 12 months. The median participant age was 31 years (IQR 26-39), and 59% were women. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 64% (705/1,096) of participants at the CIS sites achieved the primary outcome versus 43% (477/1,101) at the SOC sites (adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.52, 95% CI 1.19-1.96, p = 0.002). Participants in the CIS arm versus the SOC arm had the following secondary outcomes: linkage to care regardless of retention at 12 months (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97-1.21, p = 0.13), mean time to linkage (2.5 days versus 7.5 days, p = 0.189), retention in care at 12 months regardless of time to linkage (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.18-1.86, p = 0.002), assessment for ART eligibility (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.34, p = 0.004), ART initiation (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96-1.40, p = 0.12), mean time to ART initiation from time of HIV testing (7 days versus 14 days, p < 0.001), viral suppression among those on ART for ≥6 months (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.07, p = 0.55), loss to follow-up at 12 months after HIV testing (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.79, p = 0.002), and death (N = 78) within 12 months of HIV testing (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.46-1.35, p = 0.41). Limitations of this study include a small number of clusters and the inability to evaluate the incremental effectiveness of individual components of the combination strategy. CONCLUSIONS A combination strategy inclusive of 5 evidence-based interventions aimed at multiple steps in the HIV care continuum was associated with significant increase in linkage to care plus 12-month retention. This strategy offers promise of enhanced outcomes for HIV-positive patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01904994.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L. McNairy
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew R. Lamb
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Averie B. Gachuhi
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sean Burke
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Velephi Okello
- Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ruben Sahabo
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wafaa M. El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Campbell JI, Aturinda I, Mwesigwa E, Burns B, Santorino D, Haberer JE, Bangsberg DR, Holden RJ, Ware NC, Siedner MJ. The Technology Acceptance Model for Resource-Limited Settings (TAM-RLS): A Novel Framework for Mobile Health Interventions Targeted to Low-Literacy End-Users in Resource-Limited Settings. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3129-3140. [PMID: 28421356 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although mobile health (mHealth) technologies have shown promise in improving clinical care in resource-limited settings (RLS), they are infrequently brought to scale. One limitation to the success of many mHealth interventions is inattention to end-user acceptability, which is an important predictor of technology adoption. We conducted in-depth interviews with 43 people living with HIV in rural Uganda who had participated in a clinical trial of a short messaging system (SMS)-based intervention designed to prompt return to clinic after an abnormal laboratory test. Interviews focused on established features of technology acceptance models, including perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, and included open-ended questions to gain insight into unexplored issues related to the intervention's acceptability. We used conventional (inductive) and direct content analysis to derive categories describing use behaviors and acceptability. Interviews guided development of a proposed conceptual framework, the technology acceptance model for resource-limited settings (TAM-RLS). This framework incorporates both classic technology acceptance model categories as well as novel factors affecting use in this setting. Participants described how SMS message language, phone characteristics, and experience with similar technologies contributed to the system's ease of use. Perceived usefulness was shaped by the perception that the system led to augmented HIV care services and improved access to social support from family and colleagues. Emergent themes specifically related to mHealth acceptance among PLWH in Uganda included (1) the importance of confidentiality, disclosure, and stigma, and (2) the barriers and facilitators downstream from the intervention that impacted achievement of the system's target outcome. The TAM-RLS is a proposed model of mHealth technology acceptance based upon end-user experiences in rural Uganda. Although the proposed model requires validation, the TAM-RLS may serve as a useful tool to guide design and implementation of mHealth interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey I Campbell
- Boston Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Isaac Aturinda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Evans Mwesigwa
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Bridget Burns
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Data Santorino
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health Sciences University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Richard J Holden
- Indiana University School of Informatics, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | | | - Mark J Siedner
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Daftary A, Hirsch-Moverman Y, Kassie GM, Melaku Z, Gadisa T, Saito S, Howard AA. A Qualitative Evaluation of the Acceptability of an Interactive Voice Response System to Enhance Adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Among People Living with HIV in Ethiopia. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3057-3067. [PMID: 27221743 PMCID: PMC5156579 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Interactive voice response (IVR) is increasingly used to monitor and promote medication adherence. In 2014, we evaluated patient acceptability toward IVR as part of the ENRICH Study, aimed to enhance adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy for tuberculosis prevention among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia. Qualitative interviews were completed with 30 participants exposed to 2867 IVR calls, of which 24 % were completely answered. Individualized IVR options, treatment education, and time and cost savings facilitated IVR utilization, whereas poor IVR instruction, network and power malfunctions, one-way communication with providers, and delayed clinic follow-up inhibited utilization. IVR acceptability was complicated by HIV confidentiality, mobile phone access and literacy, and patient-provider trust. Incomplete calls likely reminded patients to take medication but were less likely to capture adherence or side effect data. Simple, automated systems that deliver health messages and triage clinic visits appear to be acceptable in this resource-limited setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Daftary
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA.
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Yael Hirsch-Moverman
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Getnet M Kassie
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zenebe Melaku
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Tsigereda Gadisa
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Suzue Saito
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Andrea A Howard
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Khatun F, Heywood AE, Hanifi SMA, Rahman MS, Ray PK, Liaw ST, Bhuiya A. Gender differentials in readiness and use of mHealth services in a rural area of Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:573. [PMID: 28821243 PMCID: PMC5563057 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2523-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional gender roles result in women lagging behind men in the use of modern technologies, especially in developing countries. Although there is rapid uptake of mobile phone use in Bangladesh, investigation of gender differences in the ownership, access and use of mobile phones in general and mHealth in particular has been limited. This paper presents gender differentials in the ownership of mobile phones and knowledge of available mHealth services in a rural area of Bangladesh. METHODS We interviewed 4915 randomly selected respondents aged 18 years and above. Associations between gender and knowledge of available mHealth services, use of existing mHealth services and intentions to use mHealth services in the future were examined by multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for the effect of categorised covariates. RESULTS Of the 4915 respondents to the survey, 61.8% of men (1213/1964) and 34.4% of women (1015/2951) owned a mobile phone. For men, mobile phone ownership was highest among those aged 18-29 years (n = 663, 76.3%), and for women among those aged 30-39 years (n = 825, 44.7%). A higher proportion of men owned phones compared to women, irrespective of socioeconomic status (SES) as indicated by asset index (p < 0.001). Although mobile phone ownership on average was lower among women, they were more likely to share their mobile phone with their family members (19.7%) compared to men (11.6%, p < 0.001). Greater number of men were more likely to be aware of the use of mobile phones for healthcare compared to women (38.5% vs 26.5%, p < 0.001). Knowledge about available mHealth services was lower among women than men; however, intention to use mHealth services in the future was high for both genders, irrespective of age, education and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Compared to men, women are less likely to own a mobile phone and less aware of available mHealth services, despite high intention to use mHealth among both genders. To optimise the use of mHealth services and to achieve equity of use, uptake strategies should target women, with a focus on the poorer and less educated groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Khatun
- Universal Health Coverage, Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh. .,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Anita E Heywood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Syed Manzoor Ahmed Hanifi
- Universal Health Coverage, Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - M Shafiqur Rahman
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Pradeep K Ray
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,General Practice Unit, South West Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Abbas Bhuiya
- Partners in Population and Development (PPD), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
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Duclos V, Yé M, Moubassira K, Sanou H, Sawadogo NH, Bibeau G, Sié A. Situating mobile health: a qualitative study of mHealth expectations in the rural health district of Nouna, Burkina Faso. Health Res Policy Syst 2017; 15:47. [PMID: 28722558 PMCID: PMC5516845 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-017-0211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of mobile health (mHealth) projects in low- and middle-income countries raises high and well-documented expectations among development agencies, policymakers and researchers. By contrast, the expectations of direct and indirect mHealth users are not often examined. In preparation for a proposed intervention in the Nouna Health District, in rural Burkina Faso, this study investigates the expected benefits, challenges and limitations associated with mHealth, approaching these expectations as a form of situated knowledge, inseparable from local conditions, practices and experiences. METHODS The study was conducted within the Nouna Health District. We used a qualitative approach, and conducted individual semi-structured interviews and group interviews (n = 10). Participants included healthcare workers (n = 19), godmothers (n = 24), pregnant women (n = 19), women with children aged 12-24 months (n = 33), and women of childbearing age (n = 92). Thematic and content qualitative analyses were conducted. RESULTS Participants expect mHealth to help retrieve patients lost to follow-up, improve maternal care monitoring, and build stronger relationships between pregnant women and primary health centres. Expected benefits are not reducible to a technological realisation (sending messages), but rather point towards a wider network of support. mHealth implementation is expected to present considerable challenges, including technological barriers, organisational challenges, gender issues, confidentiality concerns and unplanned aftereffects. mHealth is also expected to come with intrinsic limitations, to be found as obstacles to maternal care access with which pregnant women are confronted and on which mHealth is not expected to have any significant impact. CONCLUSIONS mHealth expectations appear as situated knowledges, inseparable from local health-related experiences, practices and constraints. This problematises universalistic approaches to mHealth knowledge, while nevertheless hinting at concrete, expected benefits. Findings from this study will help guide the design and implementation of mHealth initiatives, thus optimising their chances for success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Duclos
- Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages, Center for Science, Technology & Society, Drexel University, 3101 Market Street, 2nd Floor Suite, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Maurice Yé
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, P.O. BOX 02, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Hamidou Sanou
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, P.O. BOX 02, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gilles Bibeau
- Département d'anthropologie, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, 3150 rue Jean-Brillant, Montréal, QC, H3T 1N8, Canada
| | - Ali Sié
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, P.O. BOX 02, Burkina Faso
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Sweileh WM, Al-Jabi SW, AbuTaha AS, Zyoud SH, Anayah FMA, Sawalha AF. Bibliometric analysis of worldwide scientific literature in mobile - health: 2006-2016. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2017; 17:72. [PMID: 28558687 PMCID: PMC5450106 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-017-0476-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advancement of mobile technology had positively influenced healthcare services. An emerging subfield of mobile technology is mobile health (m-Health) in which mobile applications are used for health purposes. The aim of this study was to analyze and assess literature published in the field of m-Health. METHODS SciVerse Scopus was used to retrieve literature in m-Health. The study period was set from 2006 to 2016. ArcGIS 10.1 was used to present geographical distribution of publications while VOSviewer was used for data visualization. Growth of publications, citation analysis, and research productivity were presented using standard bibliometric indicators. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 5465 documents were published, giving an average of 496.8 documents per year. The h-index of retrieved documents was 81. Core keywords used in literature pertaining to m-Health included diabetes mellitus, adherence, and obesity among others. Relative growth rate and doubling time of retrieved literature were stable from 2009 to 2015 indicating exponential growth of literature in this field. A total of 4638 (84.9%) documents were multi-authored with a mean collaboration index of 4.1 authors per article. The United States of America ranked first in productivity with 1926 (35.2%) published documents. India ranked sixth with 183 (3.3%) documents while China ranked seventh with 155(2.8%) documents. VA Medical Center was the most prolific organization/institution while Journal of Medical Internet Research was the preferred journal for publications in the field of m-Health. Top cited articles in the field of m-Health included the use of mobile technology in improving adherence in HIV patients, weight loss, and improving glycemic control in diabetic patients. CONCLUSION The size of literature in m-Health showed a noticeable increase in the past decade. Given the large volume of citations received in this field, it is expected that applications of m-Health will be seen into various health aspects and health services. Research in m-Health needs to be encouraged, particularly in the fight against AIDS, poor medication adherence, glycemic control in Africa and other low income world regions where technology can improve health services and decrease disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M. Sweileh
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Samah W. Al-Jabi
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Adham S. AbuTaha
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Fathi M. A. Anayah
- 0000 0004 0485 5583grid.472344.2College of Engineering and Technology, Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie (PTUK), Technical University - Kadoorie, P.O. Box 7, Yafa Street, Tulkarm, Palestine
| | - Ansam F. Sawalha
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Gibson DG, Pereira A, Farrenkopf BA, Labrique AB, Pariyo GW, Hyder AA. Mobile Phone Surveys for Collecting Population-Level Estimates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e139. [PMID: 28476725 PMCID: PMC5438460 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background National and subnational level surveys are important for monitoring disease burden, prioritizing resource allocation, and evaluating public health policies. As mobile phone access and ownership become more common globally, mobile phone surveys (MPSs) offer an opportunity to supplement traditional public health household surveys. Objective The objective of this study was to systematically review the current landscape of MPSs to collect population-level estimates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Primary and gray literature from 7 online databases were systematically searched for studies that deployed MPSs to collect population-level estimates. Titles and abstracts were screened on primary inclusion and exclusion criteria by two research assistants. Articles that met primary screening requirements were read in full and screened for secondary eligibility criteria. Articles included in review were grouped into the following three categories by their survey modality: (1) interactive voice response (IVR), (2) short message service (SMS), and (3) human operator or computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI). Data were abstracted by two research assistants. The conduct and reporting of the review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results A total of 6625 articles were identified through the literature review. Overall, 11 articles were identified that contained 19 MPS (CATI, IVR, or SMS) surveys to collect population-level estimates across a range of topics. MPSs were used in Latin America (n=8), the Middle East (n=1), South Asia (n=2), and sub-Saharan Africa (n=8). Nine articles presented results for 10 CATI surveys (10/19, 53%). Two articles discussed the findings of 6 IVR surveys (6/19, 32%). Three SMS surveys were identified from 2 articles (3/19, 16%). Approximately 63% (12/19) of MPS were delivered to mobile phone numbers collected from previously administered household surveys. The majority of MPS (11/19, 58%) were panel surveys where a cohort of participants, who often were provided a mobile phone upon a face-to-face enrollment, were surveyed multiple times. Conclusions Very few reports of population-level MPS were identified. Of the MPS that were identified, the majority of surveys were conducted using CATI. Due to the limited number of identified IVR and SMS surveys, the relative advantages and disadvantages among the three survey modalities cannot be adequately assessed. The majority of MPS were sent to mobile phone numbers that were collected from a previously administered household survey. There is limited evidence on whether a random digit dialing (RDD) approach or a simple random sample of mobile network provided list of numbers can produce a population representative survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin G Gibson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amanda Pereira
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brooke A Farrenkopf
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alain B Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - George W Pariyo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adnan A Hyder
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Reynolds SJ, Ssempijja V, Galiwango R, Ndyanabo A, Nakigozi G, Lyagoba F, Nazziwa J, Redd A, Lamers SL, Gray R, Wawer M, Serwadda D, Quinn TC. Low Rates of Transmitted Drug Resistance Among Newly Identified HIV-1 Seroconverters in Rural Rakai, Uganda. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017; 33:448-451. [PMID: 27798967 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the rate of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among HIV-1 seroconverters identified from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) survey, a population-based cohort in Rakai District, Uganda. Participants aged 15-49 are interviewed at study visits approximately every 12-18 months and provided a serological sample. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been provided free of charge since 2004. RCCS participants with documented negative HIV-1 serology between January 2011 and August 2012 and confirmed seroconversion between November 2012 and October 2013 were included in this analysis. Serum was genotyped for HIV drug resistance mutations in reverse transcriptase and protease genes. Mutations were classified according to the 2009 World Health Organization surveillance of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance update. Seventy-five (75) seroconverters were identified and genotyped. The mean age was 28 years (range 18-49) and the majority were male, n = 44 (58%). The HIV-1 subtype frequencies were A = 19 (25%), D = 44 (59%), C = 4 (5%), A/D recombinant = 5 (7%), and C/D recombinant = 3 (4%). The majority (72/75, 96%) of individuals were infected with wild-type virus with no evidence of TDR. Two individuals had a single non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutation each, K101E and K103N, and one had a single protease inhibitor mutation, M46I. No mutations were identified involving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. In conclusion, almost 10 years after the introduction of ART in rural Uganda, rates of TDR remain low. Ongoing surveillance for TDR remains an important public health priority and should be conducted among known seroconverters to estimate TDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Reynolds
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Victor Ssempijja
- Clinical Research Directorate/Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Fred Lyagoba
- British Medical Research Council Unit on HIV/AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jamirah Nazziwa
- British Medical Research Council Unit on HIV/AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Andrew Redd
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ron Gray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria Wawer
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Serwadda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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