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Alves YM, Berra TZ, de Jezus SV, Araújo VMS, Pinheiro JDS, de Assis LBDO, Canelonez M, Sacramento DS, Perez F, Maciel ELN, Arcêncio RA. Adherence to Short-Duration Treatment (3HP) for Latent Tuberculosis among International Migrants in Manaus, Amazonas: Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Treatment Modalities. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1629. [PMID: 39203470 PMCID: PMC11356601 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Migration, a multifaceted phenomenon, has a significant impact on health. Migrants perform similar movement patterns within their country of origin, in transit, and in the country of destination, thus making it difficult to monitor TB treatment throughout the journey. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of different treatment modalities in adherence to the short-term regimen for LTBI (3HP) among international migrants and refugees. This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in Manaus-AM. The study population was made up of international migrants. The certification and monitoring of medication intake employed three strategies: self-administration (SA), directly observed conventional therapy (DOT), and Video Telemonitoring System for Tuberculosis Treatment (VDOT). The VDOT group and SA group exhibited the lowest rate of treatment dropout or interruption at 16.1%, followed by the DOT group at 23.1%. The results suggest that the most effective strategy for ensuring adherence among migrants and refugees was VDOT (OR_adj 0.26; CI 0.7-0.94), suggesting that migrants may be more likely to adhere to and complete their treatment. The results show that relying on different treatment strategies, adapted to the individuals' needs and risk factors, is a viable and effective way of providing person-centered TB care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Mathias Alves
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Sao Paulo, Brazil; (Y.M.A.)
- Brazilian Tuberculosis Research Network (REDE-TB), Rio de Janeiro 21941-904, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Zamboni Berra
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Sao Paulo, Brazil; (Y.M.A.)
- Brazilian Tuberculosis Research Network (REDE-TB), Rio de Janeiro 21941-904, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Vivian de Jezus
- Sinop Campus, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Sinop 78550-728, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Vânia Maria Silva Araújo
- Brazilian Tuberculosis Research Network (REDE-TB), Rio de Janeiro 21941-904, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jair dos Santos Pinheiro
- State Tuberculosis Control Program of Amazonas, Manaus 69093-018, Amazonas, Brazil; (J.d.S.P.); (L.B.d.O.d.A.)
| | | | - Marvis Canelonez
- State Tuberculosis Control Program of Amazonas, Manaus 69093-018, Amazonas, Brazil; (J.d.S.P.); (L.B.d.O.d.A.)
| | | | - Freddy Perez
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC 20037, USA;
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ethel Leonor Noia Maciel
- Ministry of Health, Secretariat for Health Surveillance and the Environment, Brasília 70058-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Sao Paulo, Brazil; (Y.M.A.)
- Brazilian Tuberculosis Research Network (REDE-TB), Rio de Janeiro 21941-904, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Kerschberger B, Daka M, Shongwe B, Dlamini T, Ngwenya S, Danbakli C, Mamba B, Nxumalo B, Sibanda J, Dube S, Dlamini LM, Mabhena E, Mukooza E, Crumley I, Ciglenecki I, Vambe D. The introduction of video-enabled directly observed therapy (video-DOT) for patients with drug-resistant TB disease in Eswatini amid the COVID-19 pandemic - a retrospective cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:699. [PMID: 38831356 PMCID: PMC11145825 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Video-enabled directly observed therapy (video-DOT) has been proposed as an additional option for treatment provision besides in-person DOT for patients with drug-resistant TB (DRTB) disease. However, evidence and implementation experience mainly originate from well-resourced contexts. This study describes the operationalization of video-DOT in a low-resourced setting in Eswatini facing a high burden of HIV and TB amid the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This is a retrospectively established cohort of patients receiving DRTB treatment during the implementation of video-DOT in Shiselweni from May 2020 to March 2022. We described intervention uptake (vs. in-person DOT) and assessed unfavorable DRTB treatment outcome (death, loss to care) using Kaplan-Meier statistics and multivariable Cox-regression models. Video-related statistics were described with frequencies and medians. We calculated the fraction of expected doses observed (FEDO) under video-DOT and assessed associations with missed video uploads using multivariable Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS Of 71 DRTB patients eligible for video-DOT, the median age was 39 (IQR 30-54) years, 31.0% (n = 22) were women, 67.1% (n = 47/70) were HIV-positive, and 42.3% (n = 30) were already receiving DRTB treatment when video-DOT became available. About half of the patients (n = 37; 52.1%) chose video-DOT, mostly during the time when COVID-19 appeared in Eswatini. Video-DOT initiations were lower in new DRTB patients (aHR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12-0.48) and those aged ≥ 60 years (aHR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.89). Overall, 20,634 videos were uploaded with a median number of 553 (IQR 309-748) videos per patient and a median FEDO of 92% (IQR 84-97%). Patients aged ≥ 60 years were less likely to miss video uploads (aIRR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.51). The cumulative Kaplan-Meier estimate of an unfavorable treatment outcome among all patients was 0.08 (95% CI 0.03-0.19), with no differences detected by DOT approach and other baseline factors in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Implementing video-DOT for monitoring of DRTB care provision amid the intersection of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics seemed feasible. Digital health technologies provide additional options for patients to choose their preferred way to support treatment taking, thus possibly increasing patient-centered health care while sustaining favorable treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bheki Mamba
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | | | - Joyce Sibanda
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | - Sisi Dube
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Debrah Vambe
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
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Chen EC, Owaisi R, Goldschmidt L, Maimets IK, Daftary A. Patient perceptions of video directly observed therapy for tuberculosis: a systematic review. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2024; 35:100406. [PMID: 38380432 PMCID: PMC10877938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2023.100406] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtual modes of tuberculosis (TB) treatment monitoring have become increasingly relevant in the last decade with the advancements and increasing accessibility of technology. We conducted a systematic review comparing people with TB's perceptions of standard directly observed therapy (DOT) versus video directly observed therapy (vDOT). Studies were obtained from MEDLINE and EMBASE between January 1, 1974 and February 4, 2021. Of the 22 articles reviewed, a qualitative thematic analysis was performed, drawing on common themes from people with TB's perception of their care. 21 studies showed relative preference for and acceptance of vDOT over DOT. Factors that increased acceptability toward vDOT included cost and time saving, personal sense of empowerment, convenience, and privacy. Studies also showed greater adherence to treatment and subsequent improved health outcomes. vDOT has the potential to be an empowering, person-centered treatment modality for TB therapy. The role of social determinants such as place of residence, access to technology, and patient-provider communication requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Chi Chen
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, 88 The Pond Rd Suite 2150, North York, ON M3J 2S5, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Rumia Owaisi
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, 88 The Pond Rd Suite 2150, North York, ON M3J 2S5, Canada
- School of Global Health, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Leah Goldschmidt
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, 88 The Pond Rd Suite 2150, North York, ON M3J 2S5, Canada
- School of Global Health, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Ilo-Katryn Maimets
- Steacie Science and Engineering Library, York University, 136 Campus Walk, North York, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Amrita Daftary
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, 88 The Pond Rd Suite 2150, North York, ON M3J 2S5, Canada
- School of Global Health, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Sekandi JN, McDonald A, Nakkonde D, Zalwango S, Kasiita V, Kaggwa P, Kakaire R, Atuyambe L, Buregyeya E. Acceptability, Usefulness, and Ease of Use of an Enhanced Video Directly Observed Treatment System for Supporting Patients With Tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda: Explanatory Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46203. [PMID: 37948121 PMCID: PMC10674141 DOI: 10.2196/46203] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tuberculosis (TB) control, nonadherence to treatment persists as a barrier. The traditional method of ensuring adherence, that is, directly observed therapy, faces significant challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. Digital adherence technologies such as video directly observed therapy (VDOT) are emerging as promising solutions. However, as these novel technologies gain momentum, a critical gap is the lack of comprehensive studies evaluating their efficacy and the unique experiences of patients in Africa. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess patients' experiences that affected acceptability, usefulness, and ease of use with an enhanced VDOT system during monitoring of TB treatment. METHODS We conducted individual open-ended interviews in a cross-sectional exit qualitative study in Kampala, Uganda. Thirty participants aged 18-65 years who had completed the VDOT randomized trial were purposively selected to represent variability in sex, adherence level, and HIV status. We used a hybrid process of deductive and inductive coding to identify content related to the experience of study participation with VDOT. Codes were organized into themes and subthemes, which were used to develop overarching categories guided by constructs adapted from the modified Technology Acceptance Model for Resource-Limited Settings. We explored participants' experiences regarding the ease of use and usefulness of VDOT, thereby identifying the facilitators and barriers to its acceptability. Perceived usefulness refers to the benefits users expect from the technology, while perceived ease of use refers to how easily users navigate its various features. We adapted by shifting from assessing perceived to experienced constructs. RESULTS The participants' mean age was 35.3 (SD 12) years. Of the 30 participants, 15 (50%) were females, 13 (43%) had low education levels, and 22 (73%) owned cellphones, of which 10 (45%) had smartphones. Nine (28%) were TB/HIV-coinfected, receiving antiretroviral therapy. Emergent subthemes for facilitators of experienced usefulness and ease of VDOT use were SMS text message reminders, technology training support to patients by health care providers, timely patient-provider communication, family social support, and financial incentives. TB/HIV-coinfected patients reported the added benefit of adherence support for their antiretroviral medication. The external barriers to VDOT's usefulness and ease of use were unstable electricity, technological malfunctions in the app, and lack of cellular network coverage in rural areas. Concerns about stigma, disease disclosure, and fear of breach in privacy and confidentiality affected the ease of VDOT use. CONCLUSIONS Overall, participants had positive experiences with the enhanced VDOT. They found the enhanced VDOT system user-friendly, beneficial, and acceptable, particularly due to the supportive features such as SMS text message reminders, incentives, technology training by health care providers, and family support. However, it is crucial to address the barriers related to technological infrastructure as well as the privacy, confidentiality, and stigma concerns related to VDOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Global Health Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Adenike McDonald
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Global Health Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Sarah Zalwango
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Directorate of Public Health Services and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vicent Kasiita
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Kaggwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Global Health Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Robert Kakaire
- Global Health Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Izudi J, Okello G, Bajunirwe F. Low treatment success rate among previously treated persons with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2023; 32:100375. [PMID: 37214160 PMCID: PMC10199253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2023.100375] [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] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale In 2017, the treatment regimen for previously treated persons with tuberculosis (TB) changed to a shorter regimen that lasts six months and consists of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. Few studies have examined treatment success rate (TSR) among previously treated persons with TB including the associated factors. Objective To determine TSR and the associated factors among previously treated persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB on a six-month treatment regimen in Kampala, Uganda. Methods We retrieved data (January 2012 and December 2021) across six TB clinics in the Kampala Metropolitan area for all previously treated persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB. TSR was defined as cure or treatment completion. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data, and the mean and standard deviation for numerical data were computed. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TSR, reported as adjusted risk ratio (aRR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Measurements and main results We enrolled 230 participants with a mean age of 34.8±10.6 years. TSR was 52.2% and was associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) sputum smear load of ≥2+ (1-10 or >10 Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB)/Field) (aRR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.38-0.68), TB/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (aRR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.88) or unknown HIV serostatus (aRR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26-0.68), and digital community-based directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) (aRR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20-0.88). Conclusions The TSR among previously treated persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB on a six-month treatment regimen is suboptimal. TSR is less likely for people with TB/HIV co-infection or unknown HIV serostatus, high MTB sputum smear load, and on digital community-based DOTs. We recommend strengthening of TB/HIV collaborative activities and people with TB with high MTB sputum smear load should receive targeted treatment support, and the contextual barriers to digital community DOTS should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Izudi
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Gerald Okello
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health
| | - Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
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Gichuhi HW, Magumba M, Kumar M, Mayega RW. A machine learning approach to explore individual risk factors for tuberculosis treatment non-adherence in Mukono district. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001466. [PMID: 37399173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability and implementation of well-known efficacious interventions for tuberculosis treatment by the Ministry of Health, Uganda (MoH), treatment non-adherence persists. Moreover, identifying a specific tuberculosis patient at risk of treatment non-adherence is still a challenge. Thus, this retrospective study, based on a record review of 838 tuberculosis patients enrolled in six health facilities, presents, and discusses a machine learning approach to explore the individual risk factors predictive of tuberculosis treatment non-adherence in the Mukono district, Uganda. Five classification machine learning algorithms, logistic regression (LR), artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), random forest (RF), and AdaBoost were trained, and evaluated by computing their accuracy, F1 score, precision, recall, and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) through the aid of a confusion matrix. Of the five developed and evaluated algorithms, SVM (91.28%) had the highest accuracy (AdaBoost, 91.05% performed better than SVM when AUC is considered as evaluation parameter). Looking at all five evaluation parameters globally, AdaBoost is quite on par with SVM. Individual risk factors predictive of non-adherence included tuberculosis type, GeneXpert results, sub-country, antiretroviral status, contacts below 5 years, health facility ownership, sputum test results at 2 months, treatment supporter, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) dapsone status, risk group, patient age, gender, middle and upper arm circumference, referral, positive sputum test at 5 and 6 months. Therefore, machine learning techniques, specifically classification types, can identify patient factors predictive of treatment non-adherence and accurately differentiate between adherent and non-adherent patients. Thus, tuberculosis program management should consider adopting the classification machine learning techniques evaluated in this study as a screening tool for identifying and targeting suited interventions to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haron W Gichuhi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Magumba
- Department of Information Systems, Makerere University College of Computing, and Information Science, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Manish Kumar
- Public Health Leadership Program, Gilling's School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Roy William Mayega
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Rajalahti I, Kreivi HR, Ollgren J, Vasankari T. Asynchronous video supported treatment of tuberculosis is well adopted in a real-world setting - an observational study comparing two distinct applications. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023; 55:303-306. [PMID: 36548442 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2160492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iiris Rajalahti
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Lung Health Association (Filha ry), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna-Riikka Kreivi
- Department of Pulmonology, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Vasankari
- Finnish Lung Health Association (Filha ry), Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Sekandi JN, Shi W, Zhu R, Kaggwa P, Mwebaze E, Li S. Application of Artificial Intelligence to the Monitoring of Medication Adherence for Tuberculosis Treatment in Africa: Algorithm Development and Validation. JMIR AI 2023; 2:e40167. [PMID: 38464947 PMCID: PMC10923555 DOI: 10.2196/40167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Artificial intelligence (AI) applications based on advanced deep learning methods in image recognition tasks can increase efficiency in the monitoring of medication adherence through automation. AI has sparsely been evaluated for the monitoring of medication adherence in clinical settings. However, AI has the potential to transform the way health care is delivered even in limited-resource settings such as Africa. Objective We aimed to pilot the development of a deep learning model for simple binary classification and confirmation of proper medication adherence to enhance efficiency in the use of video monitoring of patients in tuberculosis treatment. Methods We used a secondary data set of 861 video images of medication intake that were collected from consenting adult patients with tuberculosis in an institutional review board-approved study evaluating video-observed therapy in Uganda. The video images were processed through a series of steps to prepare them for use in a training model. First, we annotated videos using a specific protocol to eliminate those with poor quality. After the initial annotation step, 497 videos had sufficient quality for training the models. Among them, 405 were positive samples, whereas 92 were negative samples. With some preprocessing techniques, we obtained 160 frames with a size of 224 × 224 in each video. We used a deep learning framework that leveraged 4 convolutional neural networks models to extract visual features from the video frames and automatically perform binary classification of adherence or nonadherence. We evaluated the diagnostic properties of the different models using sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and precision. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the discriminative performance and the speed per video review as a metric for model efficiency. We conducted a 5-fold internal cross-validation to determine the diagnostic and discriminative performance of the models. We did not conduct external validation due to a lack of publicly available data sets with specific medication intake video frames. Results Diagnostic properties and discriminative performance from internal cross-validation were moderate to high in the binary classification tasks with 4 selected automated deep learning models. The sensitivity ranged from 92.8 to 95.8%, specificity from 43.5 to 55.4%, F1-score from 0.91 to 0.92, precision from 88% to 90.1%, and AUC from 0.78 to 0.85. The 3D ResNet model had the highest precision, AUC, and speed. Conclusions All 4 deep learning models showed comparable diagnostic properties and discriminative performance. The findings serve as a reasonable proof of concept to support the potential application of AI in the binary classification of video frames to predict medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Weili Shi
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ronghang Zhu
- School of Computing, College of Engineering & Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Kaggwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ernest Mwebaze
- Sunbird AI, Kampala, Uganda
- Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, College of Computing and Information Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sheng Li
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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9
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Margineanu I, Louka C, Akkerman O, Stienstra Y, Alffenaar JW. eHealth in TB clinical management. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:1151-1161. [PMID: 36447317 PMCID: PMC9728950 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.21.0602] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The constant expansion of internet and mobile technologies has created new opportunities in the field of eHealth, or the digital delivery of healthcare services. This TB meta-analysis aims to examine eHealth and its impact on TB clinical management in order to formulate recommendations for further development.METHODS: A systematic search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework in PubMed and Embase of articles published up to April 2021. Screening, extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent researchers. Studies evaluating an internet and/or mobile-based eHealth intervention with an impact on TB clinical management were included. Outcomes were organised following the five domains described in the WHO "Recommendations on Digital Interventions for Health System Strengthening" guideline.RESULTS: Search strategy yielded 3,873 studies, and 89 full texts were finally included. eHealth tended to enhance screening, diagnosis and treatment indicators, while being cost-effective and acceptable to users. The main challenges concern hardware malfunction and software misuse.CONCLUSION: This study offers a broad overview of the innovative field of eHealth applications in TB. Different studies implementing eHealth solutions consistently reported on benefits, but also on specific challenges. eHealth is a promising field of research and could enhance clinical management of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Margineanu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Centrum Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, Iasi Pulmonary Diseases University Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - C Louka
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - O Akkerman
- Tuberculosis Center Beatrixoord, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Y Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - J-W Alffenaar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Centrum Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Katende KK, Amiyo MR, Nabukeera S, Mugisa I, Kaggwa P, Namatovu S, Atwiine SP, Kasasa S. Design, development, and testing of a voice-text mobile health application to support Tuberculosis medication adherence in Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274112. [PMID: 36084106 PMCID: PMC9462710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) continues to persist with a high disease burden globally. Non-adherence to treatment remains a major problem to TB control. In Uganda, one in every four TB patients does not adhere to their TB medication. The purpose of this study was to design, develop and assess implementation of a voice-text-based mobile application to support TB patients’ adherence to medication. Methods Design science research methodology (DSRM) was utilized to develop a voice-text-based mobile health application. Agile software methodology was used to achieve steps of DSRM that are; design and development. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted and data analysed using thematic content analysis. Results During problem identification, Stigma, transport costs, being asymptomatic, drug side effects, lack of family support were identified as challenges affecting adherence. Technologies identified and used for the development of the voice-text application included; extensible mark-up language (XML) File, Apache server, Ubuntu Server, Hypertext Pre-processor, and jQuery. In the pilot study, 27 voice messages were broadcasted, 85.2% were delivered, 103 text messages were sent and 92.2% were delivered to the intended recipients. Conclusions Voice-text message mobile health application can be used to reach a wider patient population and it has the capability of addressing some of the challenges affecting TB medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Kidonge Katende
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Data Department, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Mercy R. Amiyo
- Department of Information Systems, School of Computing and Informatics Technology, College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Nabukeera
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ian Mugisa
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Data Department, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Kaggwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stellah Namatovu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Simon Kasasa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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11
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Stoner MC, Maragh-Bass A, Sukhija-Cohen A, Saberi P. Digital directly observed therapy to monitor adherence to medications: a scoping review. HIV Res Clin Pract 2022; 23:47-60. [PMID: 35904111 PMCID: PMC9554236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Technology-based directly observed therapy (DOT) is more cost-effective and efficient compared with in-person monitoring visits for medication adherence. While some evidence shows these technologies are feasible and acceptable, there is limited evidence collating information across medical conditions or in the context of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.Objectives: We conducted a scoping review to understand the current evidence on the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of digital DOT to improve medication adherence and, specifically, to determine if digital DOT had been used to improve adherence for HIV prevention, care, and treatmentMethods: We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science in January 2021 for any published studies with terms related to digital technologies and DOT. We included peer-reviewed studies in any population, from any country, for any outcome, and excluded conference abstracts. We included three types of digital DOT interventions: synchronous DOT, asynchronous DOT, and automated DOT. We provide an assessment of the current evidence, gaps in literature, and opportunities for intervention development regarding the use digital DOT to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, specifically in the field of HIV.Results: We identified 28 studies that examined digital DOT. All studies found digital DOT to be acceptable and feasible. Patients using digital DOT had higher rates of treatment completion, observed doses, and adherence compared with in-person DOT, although data were limited on adherence. Only one study examined HIV prevention, and none examined ART adherence for HIV treatment.Conclusions: Digital DOT is acceptable and feasible but has not been used to remotely monitor and support ART adherence for people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C.D. Stoner
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Allysha Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, and Clinical Sciences Division, HI 360, Durham, NC, USA,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Gupta A, Sun X, Krishnan S, Matoga M, Pierre S, Mcintire K, Koech L, Faesen S, Kityo C, Dadabhai SS, Naidoo K, Samaneka WP, Lama JR, Veloso VG, Mave V, Lalloo U, Langat D, Hogg E, Bisson GP, Kumwenda J, Hosseinipour MC. Isoniazid adherence reduces mortality and incident tuberculosis at 96 weeks among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy with advanced HIV in multiple high burden settings. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac325. [PMID: 35899273 PMCID: PMC9314898 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and advanced immunosuppression initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB) and early mortality. To improve early survival, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) or empiric TB treatment have been evaluated; however, their benefit on longer-term outcomes warrants investigation. Methods We present a 96-week preplanned secondary analysis among 850 ART-naive outpatients (≥13 years) enrolled in a multicountry, randomized trial of efavirenz-containing ART plus either 6-month IPT (n = 426) or empiric 4-drug TB treatment (n = 424). Inclusion criteria were CD4 count <50 cells/mm3 and no confirmed or probable TB. Death and incident TB were compared by strategy arm using the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of self-reported adherence (calculated as the proportion of 100% adherence) was assessed using Cox-proportional hazards models. Results By 96 weeks, 85 deaths and 63 TB events occurred. Kaplan-Meier estimated mortality (10.1% vs 10.5%; P = .86) and time-to-death (P = .77) did not differ by arm. Empiric had higher TB risk (6.1% vs 2.7%; risk difference, −3.4% [95% confidence interval, −6.2% to −0.6%]; P = .02) and shorter time to TB (P = .02) than IPT. Tuberculosis medication adherence lowered the hazards of death by ≥23% (P < .0001) in empiric and ≥20% (P < .035) in IPT and incident TB by ≥17% (P ≤ .0324) only in IPT. Conclusions Empiric TB treatment offered no longer-term advantage over IPT in our population with advanced immunosuppression initiating ART. High IPT adherence significantly lowered death and TB incidence through 96 weeks, emphasizing the benefit of ART plus IPT initiation and completion, in persons with advanced HIV living in high TB-burden, resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Gupta
- Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Xim Sun
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston, MA , USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Koech
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project , Kericho , Kenya
| | - Sharlaa Faesen
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Cissy Kityo
- Joint Clinical Research Centre , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Sufia S Dadabhai
- Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, MD , USA
- College of Medicine-Johns Hopkins Research Project , Blantyre , Malawi
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , Durban , South Africa
- Medical Research Council (MRC)-CAPRISA-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine , Durban , South Africa
| | | | - Javier R Lama
- Asociacion Civil Impacta Salud y Educacion , Lima , Peru
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/FIOCRUZ , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Vidya Mave
- Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Umesh Lalloo
- Enhancing Care Foundation, Durban University of Technology , Durban , South Africa
| | - Deborah Langat
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project , Kericho , Kenya
| | - Evelyn Hogg
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company , Silver Spring, MD , USA
| | - Gregory P Bisson
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | | | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- 3UNC Project , Lilongwe , Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine , Chapel Hill, NC , USA
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13
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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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14
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Sekandi JN, Murray K, Berryman C, Davis-Olwell P, Hurst C, Kakaire R, Kiwanuka N, Whalen CC, Mwaka ES. Ethical, Legal and Sociocultural Issues in the Use of Mobile Technologies and Call Detail Records Data for Public Health Research in the East African Region: A Scoping Review (Preprint). Interact J Med Res 2021; 11:e35062. [PMID: 35533323 PMCID: PMC9204580 DOI: 10.2196/35062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kenya Murray
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Corinne Berryman
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Paula Davis-Olwell
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Caroline Hurst
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Robert Kakaire
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher C Whalen
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Erisa Sabakaki Mwaka
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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15
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Tran CH, Moore BK, Pathmanathan I, Lungu P, Shah NS, Oboho I, Al-Samarrai T, Maloney SA, Date A, Boyd AT. Tuberculosis treatment within differentiated service delivery models in global HIV/TB programming. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24 Suppl 6:e25809. [PMID: 34713974 PMCID: PMC8554213 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Providing more convenient and patient‐centred options for service delivery is a priority within global HIV programmes. These efforts improve patient satisfaction and retention and free up time for providers to focus on new HIV diagnoses or severe illness. Recently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic precipitated expanded eligibility criteria for these differentiated service delivery (DSD) models to decongest clinics and protect patients and healthcare workers. This has resulted in dramatic scale‐up of DSD for antiretroviral therapy, cotrimoxazole and tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment. While TB treatment among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has traditionally involved frequent, facility‐based management, TB treatment can also be adapted within DSD models. Such adaptations could include electronic tools to ensure appropriate clinical management, treatment support, adherence counselling and adverse event (AE) monitoring. In this commentary, we outline considerations for DSD of TB treatment among PLHIV, building on best practices from global DSD model implementation for HIV service delivery. Discussion In operationalizing TB treatment in DSD models, we consider the following: what activity is being done, when or how often it takes place, where it takes place, by whom and for whom. We discuss considerations for various programme elements including TB screening and diagnosis; medication dispensing; patient education, counselling and support; clinical management and monitoring; and reporting and recording. General approaches include multi‐month dispensing for TB medications during intensive and continuation phases of treatment and standardized virtual adherence and AE monitoring. Lastly, we provide operational examples of TB treatment delivery through DSD models, including a conceptual model and an early implementation experience from Zambia. Conclusions COVID‐19 has catalysed the rapid expansion of differentiated patient‐centred service delivery for PLHIV. Expanding DSD models to include TB treatment can capitalize on existing platforms, while providing high‐quality, routine treatment, follow‐up and patient education and empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuc H Tran
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brittany K Moore
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ishani Pathmanathan
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick Lungu
- National TB and Leprosy Programme, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - N Sarita Shah
- Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ikwo Oboho
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Teeb Al-Samarrai
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, U.S. State Department, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan A Maloney
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anand Date
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew T Boyd
- Division ofHIV & Global Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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16
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Sekandi JN, Kasiita V, Onuoha NA, Zalwango S, Nakkonde D, Kaawa-Mafigiri D, Turinawe J, Kakaire R, Davis-Olwell P, Atuyambe L, Buregyeya E. Stakeholders' Perceptions of Benefits of and Barriers to Using Video-Observed Treatment for Monitoring Patients With Tuberculosis in Uganda: Exploratory Qualitative Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27131. [PMID: 34704961 PMCID: PMC8581755 DOI: 10.2196/27131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonadherence to treatment remains a barrier to tuberculosis (TB) control. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the standard for monitoring adherence to TB treatment worldwide, but its implementation is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. DOT is labor-intensive and inconvenient to both patients and health care workers. Video DOT (VDOT) is a novel patient-centered alternative that uses mobile technology to observe patients taking medication remotely. However, the perceptions and acceptability of potential end users have not been evaluated in Africa. Objective This study explores stakeholders’ acceptability of, as well as perceptions of potential benefits of and barriers to, using VDOT to inform a pilot study for monitoring patients with TB in urban Uganda. Methods An exploratory, qualitative, cross-sectional study with an exit survey was conducted in Kampala, Uganda, from April to May 2018. We conducted 5 focus group discussions, each comprising 6 participants. Groups included patients with TB (n=2 groups; male and female), health care providers (n=1), caregivers (n=1), and community DOT volunteer workers (n=1). The questions that captured perceived benefits and barriers were guided by domains adopted from the Technology Acceptance Model. These included perceived usefulness, ease of use, and intent to use technology. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years and provided written informed consent. For patients with TB, we included only those who had completed at least 2 months of treatment to minimize the likelihood of infection. A purposive sample of patients, caregivers, health care providers, and community DOT workers was recruited at 4 TB clinics in Kampala. Trained interviewers conducted unstructured interviews that were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive content analysis to generate emerging themes. Results The average age of participants was 34.5 (SD 10.7) years. VDOT was acceptable to most participants on a scale of 1 to 10. Of the participants, 70% (21/30) perceived it as highly acceptable, with scores ≥8, whereas 30% (9/30) scored between 5 and 7. Emergent themes on perceived benefits of VDOT were facilitation of easy adherence monitoring, timely follow-up on missed doses, patient-provider communication, and saving time and money because of minimal travel to meet in person. Perceived barriers included limited technology usability skills, inadequate cellular connectivity, internet access, availability of electricity, cost of the smartphone, and use of the internet. Some female patients raised concerns about the disruption of their domestic work routines to record videos. The impact of VDOT on privacy and confidentiality emerged as both a perceived benefit and barrier. Conclusions VDOT was acceptable and perceived as beneficial by most study participants, despite potential technical and cost barriers. Mixed perceptions emerged about the impact of VDOT on privacy and confidentiality. Future efforts should focus on training users, ensuring adequate technical infrastructure, assuring privacy, and performing comparative cost analyses in the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Nicole Amara Onuoha
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Zalwango
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Julius Turinawe
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Kakaire
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Paula Davis-Olwell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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17
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Nguyen LH, Tran PTM, Dam TA, Forse RJ, Codlin AJ, Huynh HB, Dong TTT, Nguyen GH, Truong VV, Dang HTM, Nguyen TD, Nguyen HB, Nguyen NV, Khan A, Creswell J, Vo LNQ. Assessing private provider perceptions and the acceptability of video observed treatment technology for tuberculosis treatment adherence in three cities across Viet Nam. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250644. [PMID: 33961645 PMCID: PMC8104441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recently recommended Video Observed Therapy (VOT) as one option for monitoring tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence. There is evidence that private sector TB treatment has substandard treatment follow-up, which could be improved using VOT. However, acceptability of VOT in the private sector has not yet been evaluated. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey employing a theoretical framework for healthcare intervention acceptability to measure private provider perceptions of VOT across seven constructs in three cities of Viet Nam: Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong. We investigated the differences in private providers' attitudes and perceptions of VOT using mixed ordinal models to test for significant differences in responses between groups of providers stratified by their willingness to use VOT. RESULTS A total of 79 private providers completed the survey. Sixty-two providers (75%) indicated they would use VOT if given the opportunity. Between private providers who would and would not use VOT, there were statistically significant differences (p≤0.001) in the providers' beliefs that VOT would help identify side effects faster and in their confidence to monitor treatment and provide differentiated care with VOT. There were also significant differences in providers' beliefs that VOT would save them time and money, address problems faced by their patients, benefit their practice and patients, and be relevant for all their patients. CONCLUSION Private providers who completed the survey have positive views towards using VOT and specific subpopulations acknowledge the value of integrating VOT into their practice. Future VOT implementation in the private sector should focus on emphasizing the benefits and relevance of VOT during recruitment and provide programmatic support for implementing differentiated care with the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thu Anh Dam
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | | | | | - Huy Ba Huynh
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amera Khan
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
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18
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Sekandi JN, Onuoha NA, Buregyeya E, Zalwango S, Kaggwa PE, Nakkonde D, Kakaire R, Atuyambe L, Whalen CC, Dobbin KK. Using a Mobile Health Intervention (DOT Selfie) With Transfer of Social Bundle Incentives to Increase Treatment Adherence in Tuberculosis Patients in Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e18029. [PMID: 32990629 PMCID: PMC7815451 DOI: 10.2196/18029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy envisions a world free of tuberculosis (TB)—free of deaths, disease, and suffering due to TB—by 2035. Nonadherence reduces cure rates, prolongs infectiousness, and contributes to the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Moreover, MDR-TB is a growing, complex, and costly problem that presents a major obstacle to TB control. Directly observed therapy (DOT) for treatment adherence monitoring is the recommended standard; however, it is challenging to implement at scale because it is labor-intensive. Mobile health interventions can facilitate remote adherence monitoring and minimize the costs and inconveniences associated with standard DOT. Objective The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using video directly observed therapy (VDOT) plus incentives to improve medication adherence in TB treatment versus usual-care DOT in an African context. Methods The DOT Selfie study is an open-label, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 2 parallel groups, in which 144 adult patients with TB aged 18-65 years will be randomly assigned to receive the usual-care DOT monitoring or VDOT as the intervention. The intervention will consist of a smartphone app, a weekly internet subscription, translated text message reminders, and incentives for those who adhere. The participant will use a smartphone to record and send time-stamped encrypted videos showing their daily medication ingestion. This video component will directly substitute the need for daily face-to-face meetings between the health provider and patients. We hypothesize that the VDOT intervention will be more effective because it allows patients to swallow their pills anywhere, anytime. Moreover, patients will receive mobile-phone–based “social bundle” incentives to motivate adherence to continued daily submission of videos to the health system. The health providers will log into a secured computer system to verify treatment adherence, document missed doses, investigate the reasons for missed doses, and follow prespecified protocol measures to re-establish medication adherence. The primary endpoint is the adherence level as measured by the fraction of expected doses observed over the treatment period. The main secondary outcome will be time-to-treatment completion in both groups. Results This study was funded in 2019. Enrollment began in July and is expected to be completed by November 2020. Data collection and follow-up are expected to be completed by June 2021. Results from the analyses based on the primary endpoint are expected to be submitted for publication by December 2021. Conclusions This random control trial will be among the first to evaluate the effectiveness of VDOT within an African setting. The results will provide robust scientific evidence on the implementation and adoption of mobile health (mHealth) tools, coupled with incentives to motivate TB medication adherence. If successful, VDOT will apply to other low-income settings and a range of chronic diseases with lifelong treatment, such as HIV/AIDs. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04134689; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04134689 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18029
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nicole Amara Onuoha
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Sarah Zalwango
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Public Health Service and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Robert Kakaire
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher C Whalen
- Global Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kevin K Dobbin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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19
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Rabinovich L, Molton JS, Ooi WT, Paton NI, Batra S, Yoong J. Perceptions and Acceptability of Digital Interventions Among Tuberculosis Patients in Cambodia: Qualitative Study of Video-Based Directly Observed Therapy. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16856. [PMID: 32716309 PMCID: PMC7418013 DOI: 10.2196/16856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the development of effective drugs for treatment, tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease worldwide. One of the greatest challenges to tuberculosis control is patient adherence to treatment. Recent research has shown that video-based directly observed therapy is a feasible and effective approach to supporting treatment adherence in high-income settings. However, few studies have explored the potential for such a solution in a low- or middle-income country setting. Globally, these countries’ rapidly rising rate of mobile penetration suggests that the potential for translation of these results may be high. Objective We sought to examine patient perceptions related to the use of mobile health, and specifically video-based directly observed therapy, in a previously unstudied patient demographic: patients with tuberculosis in a low-income country setting (Cambodia). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study in urban and periurban areas in Cambodia, consisting of 6 focus groups with tuberculosis patients who were receiving treatment (standard directly observed therapy) through a nongovernmental organization. Results Familiarity with mobile technology and apps was widespread in this population, and overall willingness to consider a mobile app for video-based directly observed therapy was high. However, we identified potential challenges. First, patients very much valued their frequent in-person interactions with their health care provider, which may be reduced with the video-based directly observed therapy intervention. Second, there may be technical issues to address, including how to make the app suitable for illiterate participants. Conclusions While video-based directly observed therapy is a promising technology, even in country settings where mobile penetration is reportedly almost universal, it should be introduced with caution. However, the results were generally promising and yielded important insights that not only will be translated into the further adaptation of key features of video-based directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients in Cambodia, but also can inform the future design and successful implementation of video-based directly observed therapy interventions in low- and middle-income settings more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Rabinovich
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Washington, DC, United States
| | - James Steven Molton
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Tsang Ooi
- Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Iain Paton
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Joanne Yoong
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Washington, DC, United States
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