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Bielick C, Canan C, Ingersoll K, Waldman AL, Schwendinger J, Dillingham R. Three-Year Follow-up of PositiveLinks: Higher Use of mHealth Platform Associated with Sustained HIV Suppression. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2708-2718. [PMID: 38869759 PMCID: PMC11286697 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PositiveLinks (PL) is a mHealth platform to support care engagement by people with HIV (PWH). Daily reminders prompt the user to report medication adherence, mood, and daily stress. Higher response rate to PL check-ins has been associated with better suppression of viral load over 6-18 months. We conducted a retrospective chart review for a three-year period collecting demographic information, average mood and stress scores, and all viral loads obtained in usual patient care. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with loss of viral load suppression and a time-to-event survival analysis until first unsuppressed viral load stratified by PL usage. Of the 513 PWH included, 103 had at least one episode of viral non-suppression. Low users of PL were more likely to have an unsuppressed viral load with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 5.8 (95% CI 3.0-11.5, p < 0.001). Protective factors included older age (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.98, p = 0.003) and income above the federal poverty level (FPL) (aOR 0.996; 95% CI 0.995-0.998, p < 0.001). High PL use was also associated with better viral load suppression (VLS) over time (p < 0.0001 ((aHR) of 0.437 (95% CI 0.290-0.658, p < 0.001)) after adjusting for age and FPL. High stress scores were related to subsequent loss of viral suppression in an exploratory analysis. High check-in response rate on the PL app, older age, and higher income are associated with sustained VLS over time. Conversely, lack of response to check-ins or increased reported stress may signal a need for additional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bielick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Chelsea Canan
- Division of Disease Prevention, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Karen Ingersoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ava Lena Waldman
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jason Schwendinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Schwab J, Wachinger J, Munana R, Nabiryo M, Sekitoleko I, Cazier J, Ingenhoff R, Favaretti C, Subramonia Pillai V, Weswa I, Wafula J, Emmrich JV, Bärnighausen T, Knauf F, Knauss S, Nalwadda CK, Sudharsanan N, Kalyesubula R, McMahon SA. Design Research to Embed mHealth into a Community-Led Blood Pressure Management System in Uganda: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46614. [PMID: 38032702 PMCID: PMC10722357 DOI: 10.2196/46614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In Uganda, such diseases account for approximately 10% of all deaths, with 1 in 5 adults having hypertension (>90% of the hypertensive cases are uncontrolled). Although basic health care in the country is available free of cost at government facilities, regularly accessing medication to control hypertension is difficult because supply chain challenges impede availability. Clients therefore frequently suspend treatment or buy medication individually at private facilities or pharmacies (incurring significant costs). In recent years, mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown increasing potential in addressing health system challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, but the acceptability, feasibility, and uptake conditions of mobile money approaches to chronic disease management remain understudied. OBJECTIVE This study aims to design and pilot-test a mobile money-based intervention to increase the availability of antihypertensive medication and lower clients' out-of-pocket payments. We will build on existing local approaches and assess the acceptability, feasibility, and uptake of the designed intervention. Furthermore, rather than entering the study setting with a ready-made intervention, this research will place emphasis on gathering applied ethnographic insights early, which can then inform the parameters of the intervention prototype and concurrent trial. METHODS We will conduct a mixed methods study following a human-centered design approach. We will begin by conducting extensive qualitative research with a range of stakeholders (clients; health care providers; religious, cultural, and community leaders; academics; and policy makers at district and national levels) on their perceptions of hypertension management, money-saving systems, and mobile money in the context of health care. Our results will inform the design, iterative adaptation, and implementation of an mHealth-facilitated pooled financing intervention prototype. At study conclusion, the finalized prototype will be evaluated quantitatively via a randomized controlled trial. RESULTS As of August 2023, qualitative data collection, which started in November 2022, is ongoing, with data analysis of the first qualitative interviews underway to inform platform and implementation design. Recruitment for the quantitative part of this study began in August 2023. CONCLUSIONS Our results aim to inform the ongoing discourse on novel and sustainable pathways to facilitate access to medication for the management of hypertension in resource-constrained settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION German registry of clinical trials DRKS00030922; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00030922. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/46614.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Schwab
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Munana
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke District, Uganda
| | - Maxencia Nabiryo
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Sekitoleko
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke District, Uganda
| | | | - Rebecca Ingenhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caterina Favaretti
- Professorship of Behavioral Science for Disease Prevention and Health Care, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vasanthi Subramonia Pillai
- Professorship of Behavioral Science for Disease Prevention and Health Care, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke District, Uganda
| | - John Wafula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke District, Uganda
| | - Julius Valentin Emmrich
- mTOMADY gGmbh, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Samuel Knauss
- mTOMADY gGmbh, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine K Nalwadda
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nikkil Sudharsanan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Professorship of Behavioral Science for Disease Prevention and Health Care, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke District, Uganda
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Liu T, Zhao X, Huang M, Yang Y, Chen Z, He X, Li X, Jiang W. Hypertension doctors' awareness and practice of medication adherence in hypertensive patients: a questionnaire-based survey. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16384. [PMID: 38047018 PMCID: PMC10693237 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor adherence to antihypertensive drugs is a major cause of unsatisfactory blood pressure control. Hypertension doctors play an integral role in improving medication adherence in hypertensive patients. Although most existing studies have recognized the status quo and influencing factors of medication adherence, little attention has been paid to hypertension doctors' awareness and practice in hypertension management. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate hypertension doctors' awareness and practice of medication adherence in hypertensive patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey. A self-reported questionnaire was developed and sent to hypertension doctors in Hunan province, China, between May 1, 2022 and July 1, 2022. Univariate and generalized linear models were used to identify the factors influencing hypertension doctors' awareness and practice. The correlation between awareness and practice was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results In total, 236 valid questionnaires were collected (valid response rate, 73.5%). Of the respondents, 44.1% were chief physicians and 64.4% were females. Approximately half of the respondents were ≥40 years old and had over 14 years of working experience. Most respondents (87.7%) did not have hypertension, but 54.2% had a family history of hypertension. The average awareness and practice scores were 29.8 ± 8.8 and 39.4 ± 7.1, respectively, out of 50, with higher scores indicating higher levels of awareness or practice. More hypertension consultations and more antihypertensive prescriptions issued were associated with better awareness and practice among respondents (ps < 0.05). Respondents with higher education and professional titles had higher awareness (ps < 0.05). Moreover, respondents with 6-13 years of work experience had better practice than those with <5 years of work experience (p = 0.017). There was a significant correlation between hypertension doctors' awareness and practice of medication adherence in hypertensive patients (R = 0.682, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that misconceptions persist in hypertension doctors' awareness and practice of patient medication adherence. Conclusion Hypertension doctors lack sufficient and correct awareness and practice of medication adherence in hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiexiong Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xingsha hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Liuyang, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weihong Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hypertension Research Center of Hunan Province, Hunan, China (Mainland)
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Kwan YH, Ong ZQ, Choo DYX, Phang JK, Yoon S, Low LL. A Mobile Application to Improve Diabetes Self-Management Using Rapid Prototyping: Iterative Co-Design Approach in Asian Settings. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:1-11. [PMID: 36636285 PMCID: PMC9830050 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s386456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a global public health issue, causing burden on healthcare system and increasing risk of mortality. Mobile applications (apps) can be a promising approach to facilitate diabetes self-management. An increasingly utilized approach to facilitate engagement with mobile health (mHealth) technology is to involve potential users in the creation of the technology. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to use co-design for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management mHealth development. METHODS Three rounds of iterative rapid prototyping panel sessions were conducted with a total of 9 T2DM participants in an Asian setting between Oct 2020 and April 2021. The participants were recruited through convenience sampling. For each round, feedback was gathered through qualitative interviews, and the feedback was used as a reference by the development team to develop and test a more refined version of the app in the next round. Transcribed semi-structured interview data was analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. RESULTS Participants' ages ranged from 40 to 69 years. Data saturation was reached, with no new themes emerging from the data. During the sessions, the participants expressed a variety of concerns and feedback on T2DM self-management using EMPOWER app and raised suggestions on the features of ideal T2DM self-management app. Important features include 1) reminders and notifications for medications, 2) Bluetooth integration with glucometers and blood pressure machines to minimize manual entry, 3) enlarged local food database including information on sugar content and recommendations for healthier options, 4) one touch for logging of routine medications and favorite foods, 5) export function for data sharing with physicians. Overall inputs concerned aspects such as user-friendliness of the app, customization possibilities, and educational content for the features in the mobile app. CONCLUSION In this study, we explored users' opinions on a T2DM self-management mobile app using co-design approach. This study adds to the growing body of literature on co-designing behavioral mHealth interventions and can potentially guide researchers in mobile app design for other chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Heng Kwan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Internal Medicine Residency, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, SingHealth Regional Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhi Quan Ong
- School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dawn Yee Xi Choo
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Kie Phang
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, SingHealth Regional Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sungwon Yoon
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, SingHealth Regional Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lian Leng Low
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, SingHealth Regional Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Population Health & Integrated Care Office (PHICO), Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Family Medicine and Continuing Care, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Post-Acute and Continuing Care, Outram Community Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
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Budhwani H, Kiszla BM, Hightow-Weidman LB. Adapting digital health interventions for the evolving HIV landscape: examples to support prevention and treatment research. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:112-118. [PMID: 35225251 PMCID: PMC9833493 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although many HIV prevention and/or treatment digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown feasibility and acceptability, fewer have indicated efficacy, and only a subset have been adapted for new contexts. Adaptation is a key element of pragmatic implementation science research. Adaptation is cost effective and time efficient compared with new development. Leveraging adaptation can lead to accelerated scale-up and enhanced public health impact. Considering the value of adaptation, the purpose of this piece is to present examples of DHI to DHI adaptation sequences to inform future HIV prevention and/or treatment research. RECENT FINDINGS From an examination of recent academic articles (01 November 2016 to 31 October 2021), we identified adaptation sequences that included an original DHI with at least two adaptations. Four models are presented herein; examples consist of adapted DHIs for new population, health outcome, geography, or a combination thereof. SUMMARY Adaptation is a promising scientific approach to expeditiously respond to the evolving HIV landscape. We present examples of DHI adaptations alongside considerations for each type of adaptation; we also present adaptation challenges with responsive strategies. We suggest when conducted with attention to rigor (leveraging adaptation frameworks, community engagement, and tailoring content), adaptation is a powerful tool to pragmatically address the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - B. Matthew Kiszla
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294
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