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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. Digital Adherence Technologies Linked to Mobile Money Incentives for Medication Adherence Among People Living With Tuberculosis: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e47996. [PMID: 38819905 PMCID: PMC11179015 DOI: 10.2196/47996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementing digital adherence technologies (DATs) with mobile money incentives may improve their utility in supporting tuberculosis medication adherence, yet the feasibility and acceptability of this integrated approach remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the feasibility and acceptability of a novel DAT intervention called My Mobile Wallet composed of real-time adherence monitoring, SMS text message reminders, and mobile money incentives for tuberculosis medication adherence in a low-income setting. METHODS We purposively recruited people living with tuberculosis from the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Mbarara, Uganda, who (1) were starting tuberculosis treatment at enrollment or within the past 4 weeks, (2) owned a mobile phone, (3) were able to use SMS test messaging, (4) were aged ≥18 years, and (5) were living in Mbarara district. At study exit (month 6), we used interviews and questionnaires informed by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to collect feasibility and acceptability data, reflecting patients' experiences of using each component of My Mobile Wallet. Feasibility also included tracking the functionality of the adherence monitor (ie, an electronic pillbox) as well as SMS text message and mobile money delivery. We used a content analytical approach to inductively analyze qualitative data and Stata (version 13; StataCorp LLC) to analyze quantitative data. RESULTS All 39 participants reported that the intervention was feasible because it was easy for them to use (eg, access and read SMS text messages) and worked as expected. Almost all SMS text messages (6880/7064, 97.4%) were sent as planned. The transmission of adherence data from the monitor worked well, with 98.37% (5682/5776) of the data transmitted as planned. All participants additionally reported that the intervention was acceptable because it helped them take their tuberculosis medication as prescribed; the mobile money incentives relieved them of tuberculosis-related financial burdens; SMS text message reminders and electronic pillbox-based alarms reminded them to take their medication on time; and participants perceived real-time adherence monitoring as "being watched" while taking their medication, which encouraged them to take their medication on time to demonstrate their commitment. The intervention was perceived as a sign of care, which eventually created emotional support and a sense of connectedness to health care. Participants preferred daily SMS text message reminders (32/39, 82%) to reminders linked to missed doses (7/39, 18%), citing the fact that tuberculosis medication is taken daily. CONCLUSIONS The use of real-time adherence monitoring linked to SMS text message reminders and mobile money incentives for tuberculosis medication adherence was feasible and acceptable in a low-resource setting where poverty-based structural barriers heavily constrain tuberculosis treatment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Esther Atukunda
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron Mugaba
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Jessica Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Ssedyabane F, Randall TC, Kajabwangu R, Namuli A, Tusubira D, Kakongi N, Galiwango M, Maling S, Turyakira E, Atukunda EC. Development of a customized m-Health-based intervention to reduce loss to follow-up among patients undergoing treatment for cervical lesions at a rural referral Hospital, South Western Uganda. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2024; 52:101338. [PMID: 38435345 PMCID: PMC10907155 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Loss to follow-up (LTFU) in individuals undergoing cervical cancer treatment is a major challenge in many low resource settings. We describe development of a customized and tailored mHealth intervention for reducing LTFU among patients undergoing cervical cancer treatment at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods We interviewed all health care providers (HCPs) at the cervical cancer clinic of MRRH, between April and May 2023. Transcripts were subsequently derived, reviewed and coded to generate themes and categories using inductive content analytic approach. Four medical experts used this data to develop relevant SMS content, which was incorporated into an app. Results HCPs had owned a phone for 13.8 ≤ years, had worked at the clinic for 5 ≤ years, and used text messages regularly. Qualitative data revealed that the main challenge to re-engagement was absence of a reminder mechanism between HCPs and patients. HCPs preferred text and or audio mode of messaging to improve health care responsiveness to LTFUs, awareness, continuity of care, and health service uptake among the majority illiterate population; though with potential constraints of costs and workload. Identified key messaging content included; the importance of attending scheduled follow-ups, follow up visit date and clinic customization and tailoring the message to the intended recipient. SMS content was uploaded onto the cc-follow-up app platform and customized according to preferred language, day, frequency and time of delivery. Conclusion Tailoring an mHealth messaging intervention could help re-engage and reduce LTFU through improved information sharing, awareness, responsiveness, care engagement and medical compliance. A pilot study is required for our intervention in South Western Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ssedyabane
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Thomas C. Randall
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rogers Kajabwangu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexcer Namuli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Deusdedit Tusubira
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Nathan Kakongi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Martin Galiwango
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Eleanor Turyakira
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Esther Cathyln Atukunda
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
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SYARIFAH SYARIFAH, SANTI DEVINURAINI. The trial of sending short message service multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Indonesia: the chance to increase knowledge and motivation. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2675. [PMID: 38204810 PMCID: PMC10774855 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) is a threat for the future control of TB disease. In Indonesia, the success rate of MDR TB patient recovery is still very low, following the still low recovery rate of TB patients. This paper aims to discuss the trial result of message delivery containing knowledge and motivation to the MDR TB sufferers. There are about 34 MDR TB patients participating in this research. During the research, everyone received a message in their handphone or the handphone of their family members every day, contained information on medication and motivation to comply with the medication. At the end of the research, the measurement on knowledge and attitude, on the compliance with medication, and on the compliance with laboratory examinations was conducted. The results were compared with the assessment before this intervention was conducted. Out of 32 patients that managed to complete the intervention, the average means of their knowledge and attitude increased significantly. The average mean of knowledge before the intervention was 9.74 to become 10.94, and the average mean of attitude was from 7.06 to become 18.47 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the medication compliance score and the laboratory examination compliance score also changed significantly (P<0.05). SMS delivery routinely even in a short period of time managed to change knowledge and motivation of MDR TB sufferers. To conclude, it is necessary to develop recent technology effort in order to scaling-up MDR TB patients. Existing social channels in the community must be used intensively to reduce this disease negative impact.
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Mugaba AT, Musinguzi N, Muzoora C, Bangsberg D, Davis JL, Haberer JE. The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of real-time monitors and SMS on tuberculosis medication adherence in southwestern Uganda: Findings from a mixed methods pilot randomized controlled trial. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001813. [PMID: 38051699 PMCID: PMC10697590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial among patients initiating treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB). Participants received real-time electronic adherence monitors and were randomized (1:1:1) to: (i) daily SMS (reminders to TB patients and notifications to social supporters sent daily for 3 months, then triggered by late or missed dosing for 3 months); (ii) weekly SMS (reminders to TB patients and notifications to social supporters sent weekly for 3 months, then triggered by late or missed dosing for 3 months); or (iii) control (no SMS). Feasibility was mainly verified by the technical function of the intervention at Month 6. The primary outcome was percent adherence as ascertained by the real time monitor. Quantitative feasibility/acceptability data were summarized descriptively. Percentage adherence and adherence patterns were assessed and compared by linear regression models. Qualitative acceptability data was collected through interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Among 63 participants, the median age was 35 years, 75% had no regular income, and 84% were living with HIV. Feasibility was demonstrated as most of the daily [1913/2395 (80%)] and weekly [631/872 (72%)] SMS reminders to TB patients were sent successfully. Also, most of the daily [1577/2395 (66%)] and weekly [740/872 (85%)] SMS notifications to social supporters and adherence data (96%) were sent successfully. Challenges included TB status disclosure, and financial constraints. All patients perceived the intervention to be useful in reminding and motivating them to take medication. Median adherence (IQR) in the daily SMS, weekly SMS, and control arms was 96.1% (84.8, 98.0), 92.5% (80.6, 96.3), and 92.2% (56.3, 97.8), respectively; however, differences between the intervention and control arms were not statistically significant. Real-time monitoring linked to SMS was feasible and acceptable and may have improved TB medication adherence. Larger studies are needed to further assess impact on adherence and clinical outcomes. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03800888. https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT03800888.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Aaron T. Mugaba
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Conrad Muzoora
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Tadesse AW, Cusinato M, Weldemichael GT, Abdurhman T, Assefa D, Yazew H, Gadissa D, Shiferaw A, Belachew M, Sahile M, van Rest J, Bedru A, Foster N, Jerene D, Fielding KL. Risk factors for poor engagement with a smart pillbox adherence intervention among persons on tuberculosis treatment in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2006. [PMID: 37838677 PMCID: PMC10576388 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16905-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] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-adherence to tuberculosis treatment increases the risk of poor treatment outcomes. Digital adherence technologies (DATs), including the smart pillbox (EvriMED), aim to improve treatment adherence and are being widely evaluated. As part of the Adherence Support Coalition to End TB (ASCENT) project we analysed data from a cluster-randomised trial of DATs and differentiated care in Ethiopia to examine individual-factors for poor engagement with the smart pillbox. METHODS Data were obtained from a cohort of trial participants with drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) whose treatment started between 1 December 2020 and 1 May 2022, and who were using the smart pillbox. Poor engagement with the pillbox was defined as (i) > 20% days with no digital confirmation and (ii) the count of days with no digital confirmation, and calculated over a two evaluation periods (56-days and 168-days). Logistic random effects regression was used to model > 20% days with no digital confirmation and negative binomial random effects regression to model counts of days with no digital confirmation, both accounting for clustering of individuals at the facility-level. RESULTS Among 1262 participants, 10.8% (133/1262) over 56-days and 15.8% (200/1262) over 168-days had > 20% days with no digital confirmation. The odds of poor engagement was less among participants in the higher stratum of socio-economic position (SEP) over 56-days. Overall, 4,689/67,315 expected doses over 56-days and 18,042/199,133 expected doses over 168-days were not digitally confirmed. Compared to participants in the poorest SEP stratum, participants in the wealthiest stratum had lower rates of days not digitally confirmed over 168-days (adjusted rate ratio [RRa]:0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65, 0.96). In both evaluation periods (56-days and 168-days), HIV-positive status (RRa:1.29; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.63 and RRa:1.28; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.53), single/living independent (RRa:1.31; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.67 and RRa:1.38; 95%CI: 1.16, 1.64) and separated/widowed (RRa:1.40; 95%CI: 1.04, 1.90 and RRa:1.26; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.58) had higher rates of counts of days with no digital confirmation. CONCLUSION Poorest SEP stratum, HIV-positive status, single/living independent and separated/ widowed were associated with poor engagement with smart pillbox among people with DS-TB in Ethiopia. Differentiated care for these sub-groups may reduce risk of non-adherence to TB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare Worku Tadesse
- TB Centre, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) , London, UK.
| | - Martina Cusinato
- TB Centre, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) , London, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicola Foster
- TB Centre, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) , London, UK
| | - Degu Jerene
- KNCV Tuberculosis Plus, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Katherine Linda Fielding
- TB Centre, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) , London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. Digital Adherence Technologies and Mobile Money Incentives for Management of Tuberculosis Medication Among People Living With Tuberculosis: Mixed Methods Formative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45301. [PMID: 37043263 PMCID: PMC10134020 DOI: 10.2196/45301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is an increasing use of digital adherence technologies (DATs), such as real-time monitors and SMS reminders in tuberculosis medication adherence, suboptimal patient engagement with various DATs has been reported. Additionally, financial constraints can limit DAT's utility. The perceived usefulness and the design mechanisms of DATs linked to mobile money financial incentives for tuberculosis medication management remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the perceived usefulness and design mechanisms for a DAT intervention called My Mobile Wallet, which is composed of real-time adherence monitors, SMS reminders, and mobile money incentives to support tuberculosis medication adherence in a low-income setting. METHODS This study used mixed methods approaches among persons with tuberculosis recruited from the Tuberculosis Clinic in the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We purposively sampled 21 persons with tuberculosis aged 18 years and older, who owned cell phones and were able to use SMS text messaging interventions. We also enrolled 9 participants who used DATs in our previous study. We used focus group discussions with the 30 participants to solicit perceptions about the initial version of the My Mobile Wallet intervention, and then iteratively refined subsequent versions of the intervention following a user-centered design approach until the beta version of the intervention that suited their needs was developed. Surveys eliciting information about participants' cell phone use and perceptions of the intervention were also administered. Content analysis was used to inductively analyze qualitative data to derive categories describing the perceived usefulness of the intervention, concerns, and design mechanisms. Stata (version 13; StataCorp) was used to analyze survey data. RESULTS Participants expressed the perceived usefulness of the My Mobile Wallet intervention in terms of being reminded to take medication, supported with transport to the clinic, and money to meet other tuberculosis medication-related costs, all of which were perceived to imply care, which could create a sense of connectedness to health care workers. This could consequently cause participants to develop a self-perceived need to prove their commitment to adherence to health care workers who care for them, thereby motivating medication adherence. For fear of unintended tuberculosis status disclosure, 20 (67%) participants suggested using SMS language that is confidential-not easily related to tuberculosis. To reduce the possibilities of using the money for other competing demands, 25 (83%) participants preferred sending the money 1-2 days before the appointment to limit the time lag between receiving the money and visiting the clinic. CONCLUSIONS DATs complemented with mobile money financial incentives could potentially provide acceptable approaches to remind, support, and motivate patients to adhere to taking their tuberculosis medication. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05656287; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05656287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Esther Atukunda
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron Mugaba
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Sebastian Linnemayr
- Department of Economics, Sociology, and Statistics, Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Haberer
- Medicine Department, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Elfiyunai NN, Nursalam N, Sukartini T, Efendi F. A systematic review on telenursing as a solution in improving the treatment compliance of tuberculosis patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. HEALTHCARE IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS 2023. [DOI: 10.4081/hls.2023.11194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had made patients scared of coming to clinics or hospitals, and this could affect the treatment of TB. Therefore, one type of service that can be used by nurses to improve compliance to TB treatment is Telenursing. This article aims to ascertain whether telenursing could be a solution in improving the compliance of TB patients to treatments in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design and Method: This research was conducted using the Randomised Controlled Trial design as well as PRISMA. Furthermore, useful research articles were sourced from the database using the keywords, “Message Reminder and Tuberculosis OR Medication Adherence”. The databases used are Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and SAGE, all in English text and from 2015 to 2021, with inclusion criteria. 277 articles were obtained, and then filtered to select 3 articles by reading the main focus of the write-up, with regard to the topic of study.
Result: Telenursing can be a solution to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and a substitute for remotely motivating individuals, as social support. Furthermore, it could be used as a reminder to patients to be obedient in carrying out treatments, and as a means of educating and improving good relationships with providers.
Conclusions: Telenursing is a fairly effective solution in helping TB patients improve treatment compliance, reduce drug dropout rates and missed doses, as well as, raise awareness about the importance of health in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Katusiime J, Tumuhimbise W, Rwambuka Mugyenyi G, Kobutungi P, Mugaba A, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Musiimenta A. The role of mobile health technologies in promoting COVID-19 prevention: A narrative review of intervention effectiveness and adoption. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221131146. [PMID: 36276182 PMCID: PMC9585560 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221131146] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers have found innovative ways of using mobile health (mHealth) technologies to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, fewer studies have been done to determine their adoption and effectiveness. Objective This review summarises the published evidence on the effect of mHealth technologies on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception as well as technology adoption features for COVID-19 prevention. Methods PubMed, IEEE and Google Scholar databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 for studies that evaluated the effect of mHealth technologies on COVID-19 preventive measures adoption, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the included studies were checked for quality using the mHealth evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) checklist. Results The review found out that the utilisation of mHealth interventions such as alert text messages, tracing apps and social media platforms was associated with adherence behaviour such as wearing masks, washing hands and using sanitisers, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places. The use of contact tracing was linked to low-risk perception as users considered themselves well informed about their status and less likely to pose transmission risks compared to non-users. Privacy and security issues, message personalisation and frequency, technical issues and trust concerns were identified as technology adoption features that influence the use of mHealth technologies for promoting COVID-19 prevention. Conclusion Utilisation of mHealth may be a feasible and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the small study samples and short study periods prevent generalisation of the findings and calls for larger, longitudinal studies that encompass diverse study settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Katusiime
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Jane Katusiime, Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Phionah Kobutungi
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron Mugaba
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Raphael Zender
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niels Pinkwart
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angella Musiimenta
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Kreniske P, Basmajian A, Nakyanjo N, Ddaaki W, Isabirye D, Ssekyewa C, Nakubulwa R, Hirsch JS, Deisher A, Nalugoda F, Chang LW, Santelli JS. The Promise and Peril of Mobile Phones for Youth in Rural Uganda: Multimethod Study of Implications for Health and HIV. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e17837. [PMID: 33528375 PMCID: PMC7886611 DOI: 10.2196/17837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In East Africa, where landlines are used by 1% of the population and access to the internet is limited, owning a cell phone is rapidly becoming essential for acquiring information and resources. Our analysis illuminates the perils and potential promise of mobile phones with implications for future interventions to promote the health of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and to prevent HIV infection. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the current state of AYAs' phone use in the region and trace out the implications for mobile health interventions. METHODS We identified 2 trading centers that were representative of southern Uganda in terms of key demographics, proportion of cell phone ownership, and community HIV prevalence. We stratified the sample of potential informants by age group (15-19 years and 20-24 years), gender, and phone ownership and randomly sampled 31 key informant interview participants within these categories. In addition, we conducted 24 ethnographic participant observations among AYAs in the communities of study. RESULTS AYA frequently reported barriers to using their phones, such as difficulty accessing electricity. Nearly all AYAs used mobile phones to participate in the local economy and communicate with sexual partners. Phone use was frequently a point of contention between sexual partners, with many AYAs reporting that their sexual partners associated phone use with infidelity. Few AYAs reported using their phones for health-related purposes, with most getting health information in person from health workers. However, most AYAs reported an instance when they used their phone in an emergency, with childbirth-related emergencies being the most common. Finally, most AYAs reported that they would like to use their phones for health purposes and specifically stated that they would like to use their mobile phones to access current HIV prevention information. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates how mobile phones are related to income-generating practices in the region and communication with sexual partners but not access to health and HIV information. Our analysis offers some explanation for our previous study, which suggested an association between mobile phone ownership, having multiple sexual partners, and HIV risk. Mobile phones have untapped potential to serve as tools for health promotion and HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kreniske
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alyssa Basmajian
- Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer S Hirsch
- Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrea Deisher
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Larry W Chang
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John S Santelli
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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