Barriers to the Use of Mobile Health in Improving Health Outcomes in Developing Countries: Systematic Review

Women's participation in household decision-making: Qualitative findings from the Shonjibon Trial in rural Bangladesh

A key element of women's empowerment is the ability to participate in household decision-making. This study presents the qualitative results from the Shonjibon Cash and Counselling Trial baseline process evaluation with the aim of exploring the status of women's decision-making at the trial's outset and to facilitate the exploration of any changes in women's empowerment over the course of the trial. Between January and March 2021, we conducted forty-one in-depth interviews with pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. The research team translated, transcribed, coded, and discussed the interviews. We used thematic analysis to examine women's experience and perceptions on household decision-making. The key findings that emerged; women jointly participated in financial decision-making with their husbands; men made the final decision regarding seeking healthcare, and women solely made choices regarding infant and young child feeding. Our findings revealed that women felt that they needed to discuss their plans to go outside the house with their husbands, many perceived a lack of importance in the community towards women's participation in decision-making. This study documents current contextual information on the status of women's involvement in household decision-making and intrahousehold power dynamics at the start of the Shonjibon Cash and Counselling Trial.

Social determinants of health and their relation to suboptimal health status in the context of 3PM: a latent profile analysis

Background

Suboptimal health is identified as a reversible phase occurring before chronic diseases manifest, emphasizing the significance of early detection and intervention in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM). While the biological and genetic factors associated with suboptimal health have received considerable attention, the influence of social determinants of health (SDH) remains relatively understudied. By comprehensively understanding the SDH influencing suboptimal health, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address individual needs, improving health outcomes and facilitating the transition to optimal well-being. This study aimed to identify distinct profiles within SDH indicators and examine their association with suboptimal health status.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 16 to September 23, 2023, in five regions of China. Various SDH indicators, such as family health, economic status, eHealth literacy, mental disorder, social support, health behavior, and sleep quality, were examined in this study. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct profiles based on these SDH indicators. Logistic regression analysis by profile was used to investigate the association between these profiles and suboptimal health status.

Results

The analysis included 4918 individuals. Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct profiles (prevalence): the Adversely Burdened Vulnerability Group (37.6%), the Adversity-Driven Struggle Group (11.7%), and the Advantaged Resilience Group (50.7%). These profiles exhibited significant differences in suboptimal health status (p < 0.001). The Adversely Burdened Vulnerability Group had the highest risk of suboptimal health, followed by the Adversity-Driven Struggle Group, while the Advantaged Resilience Group had the lowest risk.

Conclusions and relevance

Distinct profiles based on SDH indicators are associated with suboptimal health status. Healthcare providers should integrate SDH assessment into routine clinical practice to customize interventions and address specific needs. This study reveals that the group with the highest risk of suboptimal health stands out as the youngest among all the groups, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention and targeted prevention strategies within the framework of 3PM. Tailored interventions for the Adversely Burdened Vulnerability Group should focus on economic opportunities, healthcare access, healthy food options, and social support. Leveraging their higher eHealth literacy and resourcefulness, interventions empower the Adversity-Driven Struggle Group. By addressing healthcare utilization, substance use, and social support, targeted interventions effectively reduce suboptimal health risks and improve well-being in vulnerable populations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-024-00365-5.

Feasibility, acceptability and equity of a mobile intervention for Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition (m-UPAVAN) in rural Odisha, India

Addressing undernutrition requires strategies that remove barriers to health for all. We adapted an intervention from the 'UPAVAN' trial to a mobile intervention (m-UPAVAN) during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Odisha, India. In UPAVAN, women's groups viewed and discussed participatory videos on nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive agricultural (NSA) topics. In m-UPAVAN, weekly videos and audios on the same topics were disseminated via WhatsApp and an interactive voice response system. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and equity of m-UPAVAN using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. m-UPAVAN ran from Mar-Sept 2021 in 133 UPAVAN villages. In Feb-Mar 2021, we invited 1000 mothers of children aged 0-23 months to participate in a sociodemographic phone survey. Of those, we randomly sampled 200 mothers each month for five months for phone surveys to monitor progress against targets. Feasibility targets were met if >70% received videos/audios and >50% watched/listened at least once. Acceptability targets were met if >75% of those watching/listening liked the videos/audios and <20% opted out of the intervention. We investigated mothers' experiences of the intervention, including preferences for m-UPAVAN versus UPAVAN, using in-person, semi-structured interviews (n = 38). Of the 810 mothers we reached, 666 provided monitoring data at least once. Among these mothers, feasibility and acceptability targets were achieved. m-UPAVAN engaged whole families, which facilitated family-level discussions around promoted practices. Women valued the ability to access m-UPAVAN content on demand. This advantage did not apply to many mothers with limited phone access. Mothers highlighted that the UPAVAN interventions' in-person participatory approaches and longer videos were more conducive to learning and inclusive, and that mobile approaches provide important complementarity. We conclude that mobile NSA interventions are feasible and acceptable, can engage families, and reinforce learning. However, in-person participatory approaches remain essential for improving equity of NSA interventions. Investments are needed in developing and testing hybrid NSA interventions.

Exploring Children's Knowledge of Healthy Eating, Digital Media Use, and Caregivers' Perspectives to Inform Design and Contextual Considerations for Game-Based Interventions in Schools for Low-Income Families in Lima, Peru: Survey Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren is increasing in Peru. Given the increased use of digital media, there is potential to develop effective digital health interventions to promote healthy eating practices at schools. This study investigates the needs of schoolchildren in relation to healthy eating and the potential role of digital media to inform the design of game-based nutritional interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore schoolchildren's knowledge about healthy eating and use of and preferences for digital media to inform the future development of a serious game to promote healthy eating.

METHODS

A survey was conducted in 17 schools in metropolitan Lima, Peru. The information was collected virtually with specific questions for the schoolchild and their caregiver during October 2021 and November 2021 and following the COVID-19 public health restrictions. Questions on nutritional knowledge and preferences for and use of digital media were included. In the descriptive analysis, the percentages of the variables of interest were calculated.

RESULTS

We received 3937 validated responses from caregivers and schoolchildren. The schoolchildren were aged between 8 years and 15 years (2030/3937, 55.8% girls). Of the caregivers, 83% (3267/3937) were mothers, and 56.5% (2223/3937) had a secondary education. Only 5.2% (203/3937) of schoolchildren's homes did not have internet access; such access was through WiFi (2151/3937, 54.6%) and mobile internet (1314/3937, 33.4%). In addition, 95.3% (3753/3937) of schoolchildren's homes had a mobile phone; 31.3% (1233/3937) had computers. In relation to children's knowledge on healthy eating, 42.2% (1663/3937) of schoolchildren did not know the recommendation to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, 46.7% (1837/3937) of schoolchildren did not identify front-of-package warning labels (FOPWLs), and 63.9% (2514/3937) did not relate the presence of an FOPWL with dietary risk. Most schoolchildren (3100/3937, 78.7%) preferred to use a mobile phone. Only 38.3% (1509/3937) indicated they preferred a computer. In addition, 47.9% (1885/3937) of caregivers considered that the internet helps in the education of schoolchildren, 82.7% (3254/3937) of caregivers gave permission for schoolchildren to play games with digital devices, and 38% (1495/3937) of caregivers considered that traditional digital games for children are inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that knowledge about nutrition in Peruvian schoolchildren has limitations. Most schoolchildren have access to the internet, with mobile phones being the device type with the greatest availability and preference for use. Caregivers' perspectives on games and schoolchildren, including a greater interest in using digital games, provide opportunities for the design and development of serious games to improve schoolchildren's nutritional knowledge in Peru. Future research is needed to explore the potential of serious games that are tailored to the needs and preferences of both schoolchildren and their caregivers in Peru in order to promote healthy eating.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Key Stakeholders Influencing Successful Digital Implementation of Remote Monitoring Solutions: Mixed Methods Analysis

BACKGROUND

Implementation of remote monitoring solutions and digital alerting tools in health care has historically been challenging, despite the impetus provided by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, a health systems-based approach to systematically describe barriers and facilitators across multiple domains has not been undertaken.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to undertake a comprehensive mixed methods analysis of barriers and facilitators for successful implementation of remote monitoring and digital alerting tools in complex health organizations.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach using a modified Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire and semistructured interviews mapped to the validated fit among humans, organizations, and technology (HOT-fit) framework was undertaken. Likert frequency responses and deductive thematic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 11 participants responded to the questionnaire and 18 participants to the interviews. Key barriers and facilitators could be mapped onto 6 dimensions, which incorporated aspects of digitization: system use (human), user satisfaction (human), environment (organization), structure (organization), information and service quality (technology), and system quality (technology).

CONCLUSIONS

The recommendations proposed can enhance the potential for future remote sensing solutions to be more successfully integrated in health care practice, resulting in more successful use of "virtual wards."

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05321004; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05321004.

Effectiveness and Implementation of a Text Messaging mHealth Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Mexico in the COVID-19 Context: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy feeding (HF) is crucial to address the alarming increase in obesity rates in developing countries. Leveraging mobile phones for behavior change communication to encourage infant PA and promote HF is particularly significant within the Mexican context.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of mHealth interventions aimed at promoting PA and HF among primary caregivers (PCs) of Mexican children under the age of 5 years. Additionally, the study aims to disseminate insights gained from intervention implementation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the potential of behavior change mHealth interventions on a broader population scale.

METHODS

NUTRES, an mHealth intervention, underwent an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Over 36 weeks, participants in the intervention group (IG), totaling 230 individuals, received approximately 108 SMS text messages tailored to their children's age. These messages covered topics such as PA and HF and emphasized the significance of proper child nutrition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. NUTRES participants were recruited from both urban and rural health units across 2 states in Mexico. Given the COVID-19 context, both baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted via mobile or fixed telephone. The evaluation of effectiveness and implementation used a mixed methods approach. Qualitative analysis delved into participants' experiences with NUTRES and various implementation indicators, including acceptance, relevance, and coverage. Grounded theory was used for coding and analysis. Furthermore, difference-in-differences regression models were used to discern disparities between groups (comparison group [CG] versus IG) concerning knowledge and practices pertaining to infant PA and HF.

RESULTS

Of the total 494 PCs enrolled in NUTRES, 334 persisted until the end of the study, accounting for 67.6% (334/494) participation across both groups. A majority of PCs (43/141, 30.5%, always; and 97/141, 68.8%, sometimes) used the SMS text message information. Satisfaction and acceptability toward NUTRES were notably high, reaching 98% (96/98), with respondents expressing that NUTRES was "good," "useful," and "helpful" for enhancing child nutrition. Significant differences after the intervention were observed in PA knowledge, with social interaction favored (CG: 8/135, 5.9% vs IG: 20/137, 14.6%; P=.048), as well as in HF practice knowledge. Notably, sweetened beverage consumption, associated with the development of chronic diseases, showed divergence (CG: 92/157, 58.6% vs IG: 110/145, 75.9%; P=.003). In the difference-in-differences model, a notable increase of 0.03 in knowledge regarding the benefits of PA was observed (CG: mean 0.13, SD 0.10 vs IG: mean 0.16, SD 0.11; P=.02). PCs expressed feeling accompanied and supported, particularly amidst the disruption of routine health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

While NUTRES exhibited a restricted impact on targeted knowledge and behaviors, the SMS text messages functioned effectively as both a reminder and a source of new knowledge for PCs of Mexican children under 5 years of age. The key lessons learned were as follows: mHealth intervention strategies can effectively maintain communication with individuals during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; methodological and implementation barriers can constrain the effectiveness of mHealth interventions; and using mixed methods approaches ensures the complementary nature of results. The findings contribute valuable evidence regarding the opportunities and constraints associated with using mobile phones to enhance knowledge and practices concerning PA and HF among PCs of children under 5 years old.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04250896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04250896.

Acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness of intensified health education, SMS/phone tracing and transport reimbursement for uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision in a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Malawi: a mixed methods study

Introduction

Uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) remains a challenge in many settings. Innovative implementation strategies are required to scale-up VMMC uptake.

Methodology

RITe was a multi-faceted intervention comprising transport reimbursement (R), intensified health education (IHE) and SMS/Telephone tracing (Te), which increased the uptake of VMMC among uncircumcised men with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Malawi. Using a concurrent exploratory mixed-method approach, we assessed the intervention's acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness among men with STIs and healthcare workers (HCWs) at Bwaila District Hospital. Participants completed Likert scale surveys and participated in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). We calculated percentages of responses to survey items and summarized common themes using thematic analysis. Median scores and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated for acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness of each strategy at baseline and end-line and compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

A total of 300 surveys, 17 IDIs and 4 FGDs were conducted with men and HCWs between baseline and end-line. The mean age for men in the survey was 29 years (SD ±8) and most were married/cohabiting (59.3%). Mean age for HCWs was 38.5 years (SD ±7), and most were female (59.1%). For acceptability, participants agreed that RITe was welcome, approvable, and likable. Despite participants agreeing that RITe was a good idea, culture and religion influenced appropriateness, particularly at baseline, which improved at end-line for Te and R. For feasibility, HCWs agreed that RITe was easy to implement, but expressed concerns that R (end-line median = 4, IQR: 2, 4) and Te (end-line median = 4, IQR: 4, 4), were resource intensive, hence unsustainable. Interviews corroborated the survey results. Participants reported that IHE provided important information, Te was a good reminder and R was attractive, but they reported barriers to R and Te such as electricity, limited access to phones and distrust in the government.

Conclusions

The RITe intervention was acceptable, feasible and appropriate. However, culture/religion and structural barriers affected perceptions of appropriateness and feasibility, respectively. Continued awareness raising on VMMC and addressing setting-specific structural factors are required to overcome barriers that impede demand-creation interventions for VMMC.

Study registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04677374. Registered on December 18, 2020.

Centering healthcare workers in digital health design: Usability and acceptability of two-way texting to improve retention in antiretroviral therapy in a public HIV clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi

New initiates on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at high risk of treatment discontinuation, putting their health at risk. In low- and middle-income countries, like Malawi, appropriate digital health applications (apps) must fit into local clinic, connectivity and resource constraints. We describe the human centered design (HCD) and development process of an open-source, hybrid, two-way texting (2wT) system to improve ART retention. We detail the critical role of diverse healthcare workers (HCWs) in the HCD process to inform app usability, create buy-in, and ensure appropriate optimization for the local context. We optimized 2wT usability and acceptability over three HCD phases: 1) informal feedback sessions with diverse 2wT stakeholders, 2) a small pilot, and 3) key informant interviews. Phase one included four sessions with diverse HCWs, including "expert ART clients", clinical, technical, supervisory, and evaluation teams to inform 2wT design. In phase 2, a small pilot with 50 participating ART clients aimed to inform implementation improvement. Phase three included interviews with ten HCWs to deepen understanding of 2wT acceptability and usability, documenting strengths and weaknesses to inform optimization. Multi-phase feedback sessions with HCWs helped refine 2wT language and message timing for both weekly and tailored client-specific visit reminders. The pilot led to improvements in educational materials to guide client responses and ease interaction with HCWs. In interviews, the HCWs appreciated the HCD co-creation process, suggested ways to increase access for low-literacy clients or those without consistent phone access, and felt integrating 2wT with other eHealth platforms would improve scalability. Inclusion of HCWs across phases of HCD design, adaption, and optimization increased 2wT usability and acceptability among HCWs in this setting. Engaging HCWs into 2wT co-ownership from inception appears successful in co-creation of an app that will meet HCW needs, and therefore, enhance support for 2wT clients to attend visits and remain in care.

Assessment of the Barriers and Enablers of the Use of mHealth Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa According to the Perceptions of Patients, Physicians, and Health Care Executives in Ethiopia: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Digital technologies are increasingly being used to deliver health care services and promote public health. Mobile wireless technologies or mobile health (mHealth) technologies are particularly relevant owing to their ease of use, broad reach, and wide acceptance. Unlike developed countries, Sub-Saharan Africa experiences more challenges and obstacles when it comes to deploying, using, and expanding mHealth systems. In addition to barriers, there are enabling factors that could be exploited for the design, implementation, and scaling up of mHealth systems. Sub-Saharan Africa may require tailored solutions that address the specific challenges facing the region.

OBJECTIVE

The overall aim of this study was to identify the barriers and enablers for using mHealth systems in Sub-Saharan Africa from the perspectives of patients, physicians, and health care executives.

METHODS

Multi-level and multi-actor in-depth semistructured interviews were employed to qualitatively explore the barriers and enablers of the use of mHealth systems. Data were collected from patients, physicians, and health care executives. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded. Thematic analysis methodology was adopted, and NVivo software was used for the data analysis.

RESULTS

Through this rigorous study, a total of 137 determinants were identified. Of these determinants, 68 were identified as barriers and 69 were identified as enablers. Perceived barriers in patients included lack of awareness about mHealth systems and language barriers. Perceived enablers in patients included need for automated tools for health monitoring and an increasing literacy level of the society. According to physicians, barriers included lack of available digital health systems in the local context and concern about patients' mHealth capabilities, while enablers included the perceived usefulness in reducing workload and improving health care service quality, as well as the availability of mobile devices and the internet. As perceived by health care executives, barriers included competing priorities alongside digitalization in the health sector and lack of interoperability and complete digitalization of implemented digital health systems, while enablers included the perceived usefulness of digitalization for the survival of the highly overloaded health care system and the abundance of educated manpower specializing in technology.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are hindered and facilitated by various factors. Common barriers and enablers were identified by patients, physicians, and health care executives. To promote uptake, all relevant stakeholders must actively mitigate the barriers. This study identified a promising outlook for mHealth in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite the present barriers. Opportunities exist for successful integration into health care systems, and a user-centered design is crucial for maximum uptake.

Healthcare workers' perceptions about the use of mobile health technologies in public health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria

Background

Mobile health has enormous potential in healthcare due to the increasing use of mobile phones in low- and middle-income countries; its effective deployment, uptake, and utilization may result in improved health outcomes, including a reduction in neonatal deaths. However, there is a suboptimal uptake of mobile health technologies among healthcare workers in low-resource settings like Nigeria, which are often context-specific.

Objective

To investigate healthcare workers' perceptions of mobile health technologies in public health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted, and data were collected through six focus group discussions with 26 healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and community health extension workers) from three public health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. The collected data were analyzed using a thematic approach, where themes and subthemes were created.

Results

Although the participants acknowledged that mobile health enhances patient-provider communication and saves time, they identified altering of healthcare workers' routine practices, information overload, power and network failure, skepticism, lack of trust, and concerns over diagnostic accuracy as potential barriers to its uptake.

Conclusion

Addressing healthcare workers' perceptions of mobile health technologies may enhance the deployment and uptake of such solutions in Nigeria and similar low-resource settings. Developers and implementers of such can use them to create new or enhance existing mobile health solutions to better meet the needs and requirements of healthcare workers in low- to middle-income health settings, such as Lagos, Nigeria.

Expectation, Attitude, and Barriers to Receiving Telehomecare Among Caregivers of Homebound or Bedridden Older Adults: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

In recent years, telehomecare has become an increasingly important option for health care providers to deliver continuous care to their patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the expectations, attitudes, and barriers to telehomecare among caregivers of homebound or bedridden older adults.

METHODS

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to explore caregivers' perspectives on telehomecare for homebound or bedridden older adults. The study adhered to the SRQR (Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines. Participants were selected using convenience sampling from caregivers of homebound or bedridden older adults with experience in both in-person home visits and telehomecare services provided by the Department of Family Medicine at Chiang Mai University, in an urban area of Chiang Mai Province in Northern Thailand. Semistructured interviews were conducted. The interviews were audio recorded with participant consent and transcribed verbatim. The framework method was used, involving multiple readings of transcripts to facilitate familiarization and accuracy checking. The study used the technology acceptance model and comprehensive geriatric assessment as the analytical framework.

RESULTS

The study included 20 caregivers of older adult patients. The patients were predominantly female (15/20, 75%), with an average age of 86.2 years. Of these patients, 40% (n=8) of patients were bedridden, and 60% (n=12) of patients were homebound. Caregivers expressed generally positive attitudes toward telehomecare. They considered it valuable for overall health assessment, despite recognizing certain limitations, particularly in physical assessments. Psychological assessments were perceived as equally effective. While in-person visits offered more extensive environmental assessments, caregivers found ways to make telehomecare effective. Telehomecare facilitated multidisciplinary care, enabling communication with specialists. Caregivers play a key role in care planning and adherence. Challenges included communication issues due to low volume, patient inattention, and faulty devices and internet signals. Some caregivers helped overcome these barriers. The loss of information was mitigated by modifying signaling equipment. Technology use was a challenge for some older adult caregivers. Despite these challenges, telehomecare offered advantages in remote communication and resolving scheduling conflicts. Caregivers varied in their preferences. Some preferred in-person visits for a broader view, while others favored telehomecare for its convenience. Some had no strong preference, appreciating both methods, while others considered the situation and patient conditions when choosing between them. Increased experience with telehomecare led to more confidence in its use.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers have positive attitudes and high expectations for telehomecare services. Although there may be barriers to receiving care through this mode, caregivers have demonstrated the ability to overcome these challenges, which has strengthened their confidence in telehomecare. However, it is important to enhance the skills of caregivers and health care teams to overcome barriers and optimize the use of telehomecare.

Development of mobile application for cervical cancer screening in women: Protocol of a multi-phase study

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It is considered preventable due to the possibility of screening. The common barriers to cervical cancer screening include lack of knowledge, lack of time, and wrong beliefs. The use of e-Health technologies is one of the approaches for health promotion. The present study is aimed to the development of a mobile application for cervical cancer screening in women.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This is a multi-phase study. In the first step, a literature review will be conducted to examine factors related to cervical cancer screening and existing applications related to cervical cancer and its screening. Then, in the second step, a cross-sectional study will be conducted to investigate the factors related to cervical cancer screening in 246 women referred to comprehensive health centers and women's clinics in teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The comprehensive health centers and women's clinics in teaching hospitals will be randomly selected using a lottery method. Using convenience sampling, women who meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study, provided they provide informed consent. The data will be collected using a questionnaire, and then the descriptive and inferential statistical tests and SPSS18 software will be used to analyze the data. In the third step, specialists (gynecologists, reproductive health specialists, and midwives) will prioritize the application content by filling out a questionnaire. Then, the research team will compile the application content draft, and this draft will be reviewed and approved by experts on the expert panel. The prototype of the application will be prepared, and experts will evaluate it in the fifth step.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will result in the development of applications for cervical cancer screening. The use of mobile applications can be useful in lifting some of the barriers to screening. Therefore, developing such applications may help improve cervical cancer screening.

The effect of proactive, interactive, two-way texting on 12-month retention in antiretroviral therapy: findings from a quasi-experimental study in Lilongwe, Malawi

Background

Retaining clients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging especially during the first year on ART. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions show promise to close retention gaps. We aimed to assess reach (who received the intervention?) and effectiveness (did it work?) of a hybrid two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve ART retention at a large public clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods

Between August 2021 - June 2023, a quasi-experimental study compared outcomes between two cohorts of new ART clients: 1) those opting into 2wT with combined automated, weekly motivation short messaging service (SMS) messages and response-requested appointment reminders; and 2) a matched historical cohort receiving standard of care (SoC). Reach was defined as "the proportion clients ≤6 months of ART initiation eligible for 2wT". 2wT effectiveness was assessed in time-to-event analysis comparing Kaplan-Meier plots of 6- and 12-month retention between 2wT and SoC using a log-rank test. The effect of 2wT on ART drop out was estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for sex, age and WHO stage at ART initiation.

Results

Of the 1,146 clients screened, 645 were ineligible (56%) largely due to lack of phone access (393/645; 61%) and illiteracy (149/645; 23%): a reach of 44%. Among 468 2wT participants, the 12-month probability of ART retention was 91% (95%CI: 88% - 93%) compared to 75% (95%CI: 71% - 79%) among 468 SoC participants (p<0.0001). Compared to SoC participants, 2wT participants had a 62% lower hazard of dropping out of ART care at all time points (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% CI: 0.26-0.54; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Not all clients were reached with 2wT. For those who opted-in, 2wT reduced drop out throughout the first year on ART and significantly increased 12-month retention. The proactive 2wT approach should be expanded as a complement to other interventions in routine, low-resource settings to improve ART retention.

A phone-based tobacco use cessation program for people living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and short messaging service (SMS)-based tobacco cessation interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing tobacco use in many populations, but evidence is needed on which tailored treatments are most efficacious in meeting the complex medical and psychosocial factors confronting people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper describes the protocol of a study to test the efficacy of both NRT and a tailored SMS-based tobacco use cessation intervention among PLWH in Uganda and Zambia.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, 800 adult PLWH who use tobacco will be recruited by health care professionals at HIV treatment centers where they are receiving care. Participants will be randomized to one of the four study arms: (1) standard of care [SOC; brief clinician advice to quit combined with HIV education and information aimed at encouraging HIV treatment adherence (with no mention of tobacco) delivered via text messages]; (2) SOC + 12 weeks of NRT; (3) SOC + 6 weeks of SMS text messages to support quitting tobacco use (SMS); or (4) SOC + NRT + SMS. Participants will receive a cell phone and solar panel with power bank for charging the phone. The main outcome is cessation of tobacco use by study participants verified by urinary cotinine (< 15 ng/mL) at 6 months post-enrollment. As a secondary tobacco use outcome, we will measure 7-day point-prevalence abstinence (7 consecutive days of no tobacco use) measured by self-report and biochemically-verified at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months post enrollment.

DISCUSSION

Our study will provide insight into the efficacy, feasibility and applicability of delivering tobacco cessation interventions through health care professionals combined with tailored tobacco cessation SMS text messaging in two countries with different tobacco use patterns, policy environments, and health care resources and provide needed information to providers and policymakers looking for cost-effective tobacco cessation interventions. The previously tested SMS-platform to be used in our study is uniquely positioned to be scaled in low- and middle-income countries worldwide, in which case evidence of even modest success in reducing the prevalence of tobacco consumption among PLWH could confer enormous health and economic benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05487807. Registered August 4, 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT05487807.

The use, adherence, and evaluation of interactive text-messaging among women admitted to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV care in Kenya (WelTel PMTCT)

BACKGROUND

To improve future mobile health (mHealth) interventions in resource-limited settings, knowledge of participants' adherence to interactive interventions is needed, but previous studies are limited. We aimed to investigate how women in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) care in Kenya used, adhered to, and evaluated an interactive text-messaging intervention.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study nested within the WelTel PMTCT trial among 299 pregnant women living with HIV aged ≥ 18 years. They received weekly text messages from their first antenatal care visit until 24 months postpartum asking "How are you?". They were instructed to text within 48 h stating that they were "okay" or had a "problem". Healthcare workers phoned non-responders and problem-responders to manage any issue. We used multivariable-adjusted logistic and negative binomial regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs), rate ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations between baseline characteristics and text responses. Perceptions of the intervention were evaluated through interviewer-administered follow-up questionnaires at 24 months postpartum.

RESULTS

The 299 participants sent 15,183 (48%) okay-responses and 438 (1%) problem-responses. There were 16,017 (51%) instances of non-response. The proportion of non-responses increased with time and exceeded 50% around 14 months from enrolment. Most reported problems were health related (84%). Having secondary education was associated with reporting a problem (aOR:1.88; 95%CI: 1.08-3.27) compared to having primary education or less. Younger age (18-24 years) was associated with responding to < 50% of messages (aOR:2.20; 95%CI: 1.03-4.72), compared to being 35-44 years. Women with higher than secondary education were less likely (aOR:0.28; 95%CI: 0.13-0.64), to respond to < 50% of messages compared to women with primary education or less. Women who had disclosed their HIV status had a lower rate of non-response (aRR:0.77; 95%CI: 0.60-0.97). In interviews with 176 women, 167 (95%) agreed or strongly agreed that the intervention had been helpful, mainly by improving access to and communication with their healthcare providers (43%).

CONCLUSION

In this observational study, women of younger age, lower education, and who had not disclosed their HIV status were less likely to adhere to interactive text-messaging. The majority of those still enrolled at the end of the intervention reported that text-messaging had been helpful, mainly by improving access to healthcare providers. Future mHealth interventions aiming to improve PMTCT care need to be targeted to attract the attention of women with lower education and younger age.

Experiences of community health workers on adopting mHealth in rural Malawi: A qualitative study

Background

The use of mobile health technology (mHealth) by community health workers (CHWs) can strengthen community-based service delivery and improve access to and quality of healthcare.

Objective

This qualitative study sought to explore experiences and identify factors influencing the use of an integrated smartphone-based mHealth called YendaNafe by CHWs in rural Malawi.

Methods

Using pre-tested interview guides, between August and October 2022, we conducted eight focus group discussions with CHWs (n = 69), four in-depth interviews with CHW supervisors, and eight key informant interviews in Neno District, Malawi. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews verbatim and organized them for analysis in Dedoose V9.0.62. We used an inductive analysis technique to analyze the data. We further applied the six domains of the socio-technical system (STS) framework to map factors influencing the use of YendaNafe.

Results

User experiences and facilitators and barriers were the two main themes that emerged. mHealth was reported to improve the task efficiency, competence, trust, and perceived professionalism of CHWs. CHWs less frequently referred to cultural factors influencing app uptake. However, for other social systems, they identified relationships and trust with stakeholders, availability of training and programmatic support, and performance monitoring and feedback as influencing the use of YendaNafe. From the STS technical domain, the availability and adequacy of hardware such as phones, mobile connectivity, and usability influenced the use of YendaNafe.

Conclusions

Despite the initial discomfort, CHWs found mHealth helpful in supporting their service delivery tasks. Identifying and addressing social and technical factors during mHealth implementation may help improve end users' attitudes and uptake.

Preferences, Acceptability and Usage of Mobile Health Applications Among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Multisite, Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction and objective

Mobile health applications (mHealth) can bring revolutionary changes to health care by making it more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient. The successful adoption of mHealth is largely determined by its acceptance by providers and end users. The acceptance of mHealth among nursing students, who are the future nurses, needs to be understood. This study aimed to determine the preferences, acceptability, and usage of mHealth applications among undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected universities in southern and northern India. A convenience sample of 567 undergraduate nursing students was recruited for the study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire via Google Forms.

Results

mHealth applications were presently used by 32.9% of the students. The most common types of mHealth applications used were diet related (27.6%) and lifestyle related (23.4%). The majority of nursing students were willing to use mobile phones for consulting health professionals (78.8%) for prevention and management of health and disease. (83.1%), and for emergencies (73.3%). While more than half of the students were willing to recommend mHealth applications for patients, those students who were using two or more mHealth apps were more likely to recommend the same for the patients.

Conclusion

The results of the study highlight about the usage of mobile health applications among the nursing students. The students consider mHealth applications to be useful for delivering health-related services to end users. The study underscores the need to sensitize students about the possible usage of mHealth in healthcare delivery.

Informing Patient-Provider Engagement for Shared Decision Making Through Mobile Health Applications

Objective

The study utilized a cross-sectional dataset to identify demographic and health factors associated with patient utilization of mHealth applications for engaging with healthcare providers. The focus was on adults with chronic health conditions as the primary app user group. The goal was to reveal specific barriers and facilitators to app adoption among smartphone users, with the aim of highlighting opportunities for upgrades that promote patient empowerment as a prerequisite for shared decision-making (SDM).

Methods

Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4, 2020) with 3865 respondents (≥18 years old) stratified analyses and weighted logistic regression were used.

Results

The study found that individuals having a wellness app on a smartphone increased the likelihood (OR 2.68, CI: 2.02-3.56, p-value < 0.0001) of discussing health conditions with providers. Furthermore, individuals with multiple chronic health conditions were more likely (OR 1.93, CI 1.26-2.95, p-value < 0.01) to use apps to use mobile health applications to engage with healthcare providers. Other significant variables affecting app usage such as race, marital status, and educational level.

Conclusion

Due to difficulties obtaining in-person healthcare, the COVID-19 epidemic forced a swift deployment of mHealth technologies. Even in the absence of a crisis, mobile health applications continue to be crucial for improving patient-provider engagement and developing novel approaches to healthcare delivery. During the pandemic, people with numerous chronic diseases used apps to stay in touch with doctors and maintain their reliance on these platforms. Nonetheless, different smartphone users continue to use mHealth application in different ways. The findings revealing barriers in mHealth app adoption among certain patient subgroups suggest opportunities for developers, in collaboration with users and providers, to enhance inclusion and acceptability when upgrading mHealth application platforms.

Patients' perception towards digital health services in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the widespread use of digital health services (DHS). Despite evidence of the benefits of DHS, there are many barriers to their adaptation worldwide. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of DHS from the patient perspective. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia from December 2022 to March 2023. Of the 323 participants who completed the online questionnaire, 63.5% were female, and 55.4% of participants found that DHS was satisfactory. 34% of the participants preferred DHS via telephone calls and 40.2% found that DHS was comparable to direct regular services in building trust between patients and doctors. A total of 79.2% agreed that DHS could reduce unnecessary outpatient visits and 70.9% agreed that it could be used effectively to follow patients with chronic diseases. DHS was found to be cost-effective in 76.8%. Digital healthcare has the potential to significantly improve health care outcomes and effectiveness in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the use of a DHS for monitoring and dispensing care would be advantageous. However, difficulties such as lack of time or a packed schedule have prevented patients in Saudi Arabia from using telemedicine.

Challenges and opportunities to improve efficiency and quality of prehospital emergency care using an mHealth platform: Qualitative study in Rwanda

Introduction

Prompt, high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to identify factors that compromise efficiency and quality of pre-hospital emergency care in Rwanda, and explore the opportunities for a mobile health (mHealth) tool to address these challenges.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 individuals representing four stakeholder groups: EMS dispatch staff, ambulance staff, hospital staff, and policymakers. A semi-structured interview guide explored participants' perspectives on all aspects of the pre-hospital emergency care continuum, from receiving a call at dispatch to hospital handover. Participants were asked how the current system could be improved, and the potential utility of an mHealth tool to address existing challenges. Interviews were audio-recorded, and transcripts were thematically analyzed using NVivo.

Results

Stakeholders identified factors that compromise the efficiency and quality of care across the prehospital emergency care continuum: triage at dispatch, dispatching the ambulance, locating the emergency, coordinating patient care at scene, preparing the receiving hospital, and patient handover to the hospital. They identified four areas where an mHealth tool could improve care: efficient location of the emergency, streamline communication for decision making, documentation with real-time communication, and routine data for quality improvement. While stakeholders identified advantages of an mHealth tool, they also mentioned challenges that would need to be addressed, namely: limited internet bandwidth, capacity to maintain and update software, and risks of data security breaches that could lead to stolen or lost data.

Conclusion

Despite the success of Rwanda's EMS system, this study highlights factors across the care continuum that could compromise quality and efficiency of prehospital emergency care. Mobile health tools hold great promise to address these challenges, but contextual issues need to be considered to ensure sustainability of use.

mHealth Self-Monitoring Model for Medicine Adherence of Patients With Diabetes in Resource-Limited Countries: Structural Equation Modeling Approach

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to serious challenges and emphasized the importance of using technology for health care operational transformation. Consequently, the need for technological innovations has increased, thus empowering patients with chronic conditions to tighten their adherence to medical prescriptions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a model for a mobile health (mHealth) self-monitoring system for patients with diabetes in rural communities within resource-limited countries. The developed model could be based on the implementation of a system for the self-monitoring of patients with diabetes to increase medical adherence.

METHODS

This study followed a quantitative approach, in which data were collected from health care providers using a questionnaire with close-ended questions. Data were collected from district hospitals in 3 South African provinces that were selected based on the prevalence rates of diabetes and the number of patients with diabetes treated. The collected data were analyzed using smart partial least squares to validate the model and test the suggested hypotheses.

RESULTS

Using variance-based structural equation modeling that leverages smart partial least squares, the analysis indicated that environmental factors significantly influence all the independent constructs that inform patients' change of behavior toward the use of mHealth for self-monitoring of medication adherence. Technology characteristics such as effort expectancy, self-efficacy, and performance expectancy were equally significant; hence, their hypotheses were accepted. In contrast, the contributions of culture and social aspects were found to be insignificant, and their hypotheses were rejected. In addition, an analysis was conducted to determine the interaction effects of the moderating variables on the independent constructs. The results indicated that with the exception of cultural and social influences, there were significant interacting effects on other independent constructs influencing mHealth use for self-monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the findings of this study, we conclude that behavioral changes are essential for the self-monitoring of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to enhance those effects that stimulate the behavior to change toward the use of mHealth for self-monitoring. Motivational aspects were also found to be highly significant as they triggered changes in behavior. The developed model can be used to extend the research on the self-monitoring of patients with chronic conditions. Moreover, the model will be used as a basic architecture for the implementation of fully fledged systems for self-monitoring of patients with diabetes.

eHealth usage among parents to premature or surgically treated neonates: associations with eHealth literacy, healthcare satisfaction or satisfaction with an eHealth device

BACKGROUND

A specific eHealth device, a surf tablet, was developed for bridging between advanced in-hospital care and children's homes. Since little is known about determinators for parental eHealth usage, the study's aim was to explore if parents' usage of the device was associated with their eHealth literacy, or their satisfaction with their child's healthcare or with the specific surf tablet.

METHODS

In this explorative usage and questionnaire study, parents to neonates who were discharged home after advanced in-hospital care were included. Their surf tablet usage at maximum 30 days after discharge was reported as frequency (%) of active days (usage days/days having the device) and median number of tablet activities (chat and photo) per usage day. eHealth literacy (eHealth Literacy Questionnaire; eHLQ), healthcare satisfaction (PedsQL Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module), and satisfaction with the surf tablet were explored regarding tablet usage. Statistics were described in median (range) and (%) using non-parametric and regression models (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Parents to 32 children (11 premature, 21 operated) were included. Active days with eHealth communication using the device was 39% (9.0/29.5), with 2.0 (1.0-4.2) usage occasions per active day. Activity on the tablet was higher among parents reporting to be very satisfied or satisfied with the device (n = 25) compared with neutral/dissatisfied parents (n = 7) (2.8 vs. 2.2 vs. 1.6 activities) (p = 0.030), while their frequency of active days did not differ (31.6% vs. 38.3% vs. 40%) (p = 0.963). A higher eHealth literacy was not associated with frequency of active days (0.926 (0.652-1.317); p = 0.659) or number of eHealth activities (0.973 (0.758-1.250); p = 0.825). Healthcare satisfaction was not associated with higher frequency of active days 0.996 (0.983-1.009; p = 0.519); neither was number of eHealth activities 1.001 (0.991-1.011; p = 0.883).

CONCLUSION

In this study, eHealth usage was associated with parental satisfaction with the specific eHealth device, but not with eHealth literacy or healthcare satisfaction. To assure equal access to healthcare when using eHealth, the user-friendliness of the device seems to be crucial, and technical support needs to be in place.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER

NCT04150120 (04/11/2019).

Development and evaluation of a tailored mHealth parenting program for multicultural families: a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial

Objective

Health management of children during early childhood requires substantial information. Multicultural families find it difficult to obtain and use parenting-relevant information for their young children. This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a tailored Health parenting program and lay-health workers' support to improve children's health in multicultural families in Korea.

Methods

In this study, we employed the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model as the conceptual framework, guiding the creation of a tailored mHealth application supplemented by a lay-health worker support module. The efficacy of the program was assessed through an experimental three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. A total of 101 participants were stratified into three distinct groups as follows: (1) Experimental Group A, which received the mHealth program alongside the lay-health worker support component; (2) Experimental Group B, exposed solely to the mHealth program; and (3) Control Group, devoid of any intervention. Within these groups, 101 marriage migrant women hailing from Vietnam, the Philippines, and China were incorporated, with each group comprising 33, 30, and 38 participants, respectively. The study's primary endpoint encompassed a comprehensive assessment of health-promoting behaviors, proficiency in eHealth literacy, and the family strength.

Results

The analysis revealed noteworthy interactions among the three distinct groups over the course of time, with implications for health-promotion behaviors (p = 0.041), eHealth literacy (p = 0.037), and family strength (p = 0.044). Specifically, the experimental groups exhibited substantially elevated levels of the specified outcome variables when contrasted with the control group. Notably, the positive effects persisted even up to 12 weeks subsequent to the conclusion of the intervention, underscoring the program's capacity to foster enduring improvements in the observed metrics.

Conclusion

This study highlights the benefits of offering contextually appropriate information to target groups constrained by challenges in information access, evaluation, and utilization. Notably, drawing from their positive experiences in this process, we underscore the importance of employing lay health workers. These workers play a crucial role in fostering and ensuring sustained behavioral changes.

User Acceptability and Perceived Impact of a Mobile Interactive Education and Support Group Intervention to Improve Postnatal Health Care in Northern India: A Qualitative Study

Background

Postnatal care, crucial for preventing and assessing complications after birth, remains low in India. An interactive mHealth community-based postnatal intervention was implemented to promote healthy maternal behaviors through knowledge and social support in rural Northern India. However, there is limited information on how virtual health interventions in resource-constrained settings are perceived by the users and which elements influence their engagement and sustained participation.

Objective

We explored the user perceptions of acceptability and impact of a virtual interactive maternal and child health intervention pilot tested in Punjab State, India, including their perspectives on barriers and facilitators to engage with this intervention.

Methods

This qualitative study was embedded within extensive mixed-method research, and oriented by the Realist Evaluation approach. Sixteen participants were recruited from the parent study. They were identified by purposive sampling to cover diverse levels of attendance and engagement with the intervention. In-depth interviews were conducted by phone. Following translation, a framework analysis was completed to search for the main themes. Feedback was requested from intervention moderators during the process to prioritize local interpretation.

Results

Study participants reported overall satisfaction with the intervention. The mothers appreciated the educational material provided and the communication with other participants and health professionals. Across context, intervention, and actor domains, the barriers most commented on were network and connectivity challenges, lack of time due to household responsibilities, and feeling uncomfortable sharing personal experiences. Family buy-in and support were fundamental for overcoming the high domestic workload and baby care. Another facilitator mentioned was moderators' guidance on using the different intervention modalities. Regarding perceived impact, participants shared that MeSSSSage increased their capability and motivation to breastfeed, seek care as needed, and use contraception according to their preferences. Finally, participants suggested adding more topics to the educational content and adjusting the dynamics within the group calls to improve the intervention.

Conclusions

This study identifies the high acceptability and perceived impact of a novel postnatal care program in a rural setting, including the users' perceived barriers to engaging with the intervention and possible solutions to overcome them. These findings enable refinement of the ongoing intervention, providing a more robust framing for its scalability and long-term sustainability. On a larger scale, conclusions from this research provide new insights and encouragement to global stakeholders who aspire to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries through mHealth.

Acceptability and Ease of Use of an Educational Website among Women, Infants, and Children Program Participants in Puerto Rico: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a website for an educational intervention among participants of the Baby-Act Trial. Baby-Act is a community-based intervention to prevent infant obesity by promoting physical activity, sleep, and healthy eating behaviors in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program participants in Puerto Rico. The intervention was designed to be delivered through a mobile application, but after the study was launched, participants reported many difficulties, and an alternative educational platform was developed.

METHODS

Participants of the WIC program completed a face-to-face structured interview consisting of several open-ended questions. After completing the interview, they were instructed on how to access the newly developed webpage and completed the lessons found therein. Then followed a survey that explored the overall experience.

RESULTS

Nine participants were interviewed; they all agreed that the website was easy to access, registration was simple, and the webpage was clear; 8 were able to complete at least 1 lesson (1 participant had a very poor signal), and all 9 reported being confident in using the webpage and stated they would use it again.

CONCLUSION

The study participants found this website to be user-friendly and a viable alternative for future educational intervention delivery to WIC participants.

Effectiveness and Process Evaluation of Using Digital Health Technologies in Pharmaceutical Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

Introduction: Digital health technology (DHT) has the potential to enhance remote health care delivery. However, little is known about the effectiveness of DHTs and factors that contribute to the limited uptake of DHTs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness and evaluation process concerning the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care in LMICs. Methods: A literature search on PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify experimental, descriptive, qualitative, and mixed-method studies that focused on the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care as the main intervention, reported on the effects and/or the process of the DHT intervention, were performed by pharmacists, were conducted in LMICs, and had been published in English. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection process. A qualitative narrative review of the effectiveness of using DHTs was conducted evaluating the population, intervention, comparators, and outcomes. We summarized the content and identified themes of the evaluation process under two categories-challenges and opportunities. Results: The search produced 589 studies, of which 16 met the eligibility criteria. The most common type of DHT was mobile health application (mHealth app; n = 8), followed by mobile phone call (n = 6) and mobile video call (n = 2). Eight studies assessed the effectiveness of using DHTs in pharmaceutical care. mHealth app, mobile phone call, mobile video call, text messages, home telemonitoring, and internet-based drug information centers improved some health-related outcomes. Two of these eight studies, however, did not find significant effects of a phone call or an mHealth app on certain health-related outcomes. Of the seven quantitative studies conducting a process evaluation, all showed that patients were satisfied with the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care provided by pharmacists. Of the two mixed-methods and one qualitative study assessing the process evaluation concerning DHT usage, three distinct themes of challenges (patient-, DHT-, and health care system-related challenges) and opportunities (patient-, DHT-, and pharmacist-related opportunities) were identified. Conclusions: DHT is a promising approach in pharmaceutical care toward improving health-related outcomes in LMICs, despite the variable intervention effects. The challenges and opportunities identified are important considerations when developing and implementing DHTs in pharmaceutical care in LMICs.

"It reminds me and motivates me": Human-centered design and implementation of an interactive, SMS-based digital intervention to improve early retention on antiretroviral therapy: Usability and acceptability among new initiates in a high-volume, public clinic in Malawi

BACKGROUND

Early retention of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs is critical to improve individual clinical outcomes and viral load suppression. Although many mobile health (mHealth) interventions aim to improve retention in care, there is still lack of evidence on mHealth success or failure, including from patient's perspectives. We describe the human-centered design (HCD) process and assess patient usability and acceptability of a two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve early retention among new ART initiates at Lighthouse Trust clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.

METHODS

An iterative HCD approach focused on patient and provider users' needs, incorporating feedback from multidisciplinary teams to adapt 2wT for the local, public clinic context. We present mixed-methods usability and acceptability results from 100 participants, 50 at 3-months and 50 at 6-months, post 2wT enrollment, and observations of these same patients completing core tasks of the 2wT system.

RESULTS

Among the 100 usability respondents, 95% were satisfied with visit reminders, and 88% would recommend reminders and motivational messages to friends; however, 17% were worried about confidentiality. In observation of participant task completion, 94% were able to successfully confirm visit attendance and 73% could request appointment date change. More participants in 4-6 months group completed tasks correctly compared to 1-3 months group, although not significantly different (78% vs. 66%, p = 0.181). Qualitative results were overwhelmingly positive, but patients did note confusion with transfer reporting and concern that 2wT would not reach patients without mobile phones or with lower literacy.

CONCLUSION

The 2wT app for early ART retention appears highly usable and acceptable, hopefully creating a solid foundation for lifelong engagement in care. The HCD approach put the local team central in this process, ensuring that both patients' and Lighthouse's priorities, policies, and practices were forefront in 2wT optimization, raising the likelihood of 2wT success in other routine program contexts.

Mobile phone-based interventions for improving contraception use

BACKGROUND

Contraception provides significant benefits for women's and children's health, yet many women have an unmet need for contraception. Rapid expansion in the use of mobile phones in recent years has had a dramatic impact on interpersonal communication. Within the health domain text messages and smartphone applications offer means of communication between clients and healthcare providers. This review focuses on interventions delivered by mobile phone and their effect on use of contraception.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of mobile phone-based interventions for improving contraception use.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was August 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of mobile phone-based interventions to improve forms of contraception use amongst users or potential users of contraception.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. uptake of contraception, 2. uptake of a specific method of contraception, 3. adherence to contraception method, 4. safe method switching, 5. discontinuation of contraception and 6. pregnancy or abortion. Our secondary outcomes were 7. road traffic accidents, 8. any physical or psychological effect reported and 9. violence or domestic abuse.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-three RCTs (12,793 participants) from 11 countries met our inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were conducted in high-income resource settings and 12 were in low-income settings. Thirteen studies used unidirectional text messaging-based interventions, six studies used interactive text messaging, four used voice message-based interventions and two used mobile-phone apps to improve contraception use. All studies received funding from non-commercial bodies. Mobile phone-based interventions probably increase contraception use compared to the control (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.60; 16 studies, 8972 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be little or no difference in rates of unintended pregnancy with the use of mobile phone-based interventions compared to control (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.38; 8 trials, 2947 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analysis assessing unidirectional mobile phone interventions versus interactive mobile phone interventions found evidence of a difference between the subgroups favouring interactive interventions (P = 0.003, I2 = 88.5%). Interactive interventions had an OR of 1.71 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.29; P = 0.0003, I2 = 63%; 8 trials, 3089 participants) whilst unidirectional interventions had an OR of 1.03 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.22; P = 0.72, I2 = 17%; 9 trials, 5883 participants). Subgroup analysis assessing high-income versus low-income trial settings found no difference between groups (subgroup difference test: P = 0.70, I2 = 0%). Only six trials reported on safety and unintended outcomes; one trial reported increased partner violence whilst another four trials reported no difference in physical violence rates between control and intervention groups. One trial reported no road traffic accidents with mobile phone intervention use.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates there is evidence to support the use of mobile phone-based interventions in improving the use of contraception, with moderate-certainty evidence. Interactive mobile phone interventions appear more effective than unidirectional methods. The cost-effectiveness, cost benefits, safety and long-term effects of these interventions remain unknown, as does the evidence of this approach to support contraception use among specific populations. Future research should investigate the effectiveness and safety of mobile phone-based interventions with better quality trials to help establish the effects of interventions delivered by mobile phone on contraception use. This review is limited by the quality of the studies due to flaws in methodology, bias or imprecision of results.

Implementation of an mHealth intervention to increase adherence to triage among HPV positive women with HPV-self-collection (ATICA study): post-implementation evaluation from the women's perspective

BACKGROUND

Low adherence to triage after positive screening is a widespread problem for cervical cancer screening programs in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Adherence to cytology-based triage can be challenging, especially among women with self-collected tests. SMS-based interventions are accepted by women and can increase screening uptake. The ATICA study was an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type I trial, combining a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a mixed-methods implementation evaluation involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Although the RCT provided evidence regarding the effectiveness of the SMS-based intervention, less is known about its acceptability, relevance, and usefulness from the women´s perspective.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a structured questionnaire among HPV-positive women who were enrolled in ATICA's intervention group. We measured acceptability, appropriateness, and message content comprehension. Also, we evaluated if the SMS message was considered a cue to encourage women to pick up their HPV test results and promote the triage.

RESULTS

We interviewed 370 HPV-positive women. Acceptability of SMS messages among women who had received at least one message was high (97%). We found high levels of agreement in all appropriateness dimensions. More than 77% of women showed high comprehension of the content. Among women who received at least one SMS message, 76% went to the health center to pick up their results. Among those who got their results, 90% reported that the SMS message had influenced them to go. We found no significant differences in acceptability, appropriateness or message comprehension between women who adhered to triage and those who did not adhere after receiving the SMS messages.

CONCLUSION

The intervention was highly acceptable, and women reported SMS was an appropriate channel to be informed about HPV test results availability. SMS was also a useful cue to go to the health center to pick up results. The implementation did not encounter barriers associated with the SMS message itself, suggesting the existence of other obstacles to triage adherence. Our results support the RCT findings that scaling up SMS is a highly acceptable intervention to promote cervical screening triage adherence.

Smartphone Ownership and Usage Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV in South Africa: Secondary Analysis of CareConekta Trial Data

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) initiatives are increasingly common in low-resource settings, but the appropriateness of smartphone interventions in health care settings is uncertain. More research is needed to establish the appropriateness and feasibility of integrating new mHealth modalities (novel apps and social media apps) in the South African context.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, to inform future mHealth interventions, we describe smartphone ownership, preferences, and usage patterns among pregnant women living with HIV in Gugulethu, South Africa.

METHODS

We screened pregnant women living with HIV from December 2019 to February 2021 for the CareConekta trial. To be enrolled in the trial, respondents were required to be 18 years of age or older, living with HIV, ≥28 weeks pregnant, and own a smartphone that met the technical requirements of the CareConekta app. In this secondary analysis, we describe mobile phone ownership and sociodemographic characteristics of all women screened for eligibility (n=639), and smartphone use patterns among those enrolled in the trial (n=193).

RESULTS

Overall, median age was 31 (IQR 27-35) years. Of the 582 women who owned smartphones, 580 responded to the question about whether or not it was a smartphone, 2 did not. Among those with smartphones, 92% (421/458) of them used the Android operating system of version 5.0 or above, 98% (497/506) of phones had a GPS, and 96% (485/506) of individuals charged their phones less than twice a day. Among women who were enrolled in the trial, nearly all (99%, 190/193) owned the smartphone themselves; however, 14% (26/193) shared their smartphone with someone. In this case, 96% (25/26) reported possessing the phone most of the day. Median duration of ownership of the smartphone was 12 (IQR 5-24) months, median duration with current phone number use was 25 (IQR 12-60) months, and median number of cell phone numbers owned 2 years prior to enrollment in the trial was 2 (IQR 1-2). Receiving (192/193, 99.5%) and making (190/193, 99%) phone calls were among the most common smartphone uses. The least used features were GPS (106/193, 55%) and email (91/193, 47%). WhatsApp was most frequently reported as a favorite app (181/193, 94%).

CONCLUSIONS

Smartphone ownership is very common among pregnant women living with HIV in this low-resource, periurban setting. Phone sharing was uncommon, nearly all used the Android system, and phones retained sufficient battery life. These results are encouraging to the development of mHealth interventions. Existing messaging platforms-particularly WhatsApp-are exceedingly popular and could be leveraged for interventions. Findings of moderate smartphone ownership turnover and phone number turnover are considerations for mHealth interventions in similar settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03836625; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03836625?term=NCT03836625.

An mHealth App (eSkinHealth) for Detecting and Managing Skin Diseases in Resource-Limited Settings: Mixed Methods Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa, the disease burden from skin diseases, including skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs), is extremely high. These diseases often are overlooked due to limited access to health care stemming from, for example, remote geographical locations and a lack of experts. To address these gaps, we developed a mobile health app, eSkinHealth, which is a field-adapted platform to serve as a portable electronic patient chart and for teledermatology.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the app in rural Côte d'Ivoire for diagnosing and managing skin NTDs and other skin diseases.

METHODS

A 2-arm trial with local health care providers and patients with skin diseases was implemented over a 3-month period. The providers were assigned to an intervention receiving the eSkinHealth app or control with usual care. Four nurses and 8 community health care workers participated in each arm. The training was provided on the use of the app to the intervention arm only, while both arms were trained on skin diseases. For the usability study, we evaluated our approach with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and in-depth interviews. For the effectiveness study, our primary outcome was to evaluate the detection and management of 5 skin NTDs as our targeted diseases, namely, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, scabies, and yaws, using the eSkinHealth app. Procedures of our methods were reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of the Ministry of Health and by Tulane University.

RESULTS

The mean age of our participants (providers) was 40.5 and 42.5 years for the intervention and control arms, respectively, and all were male (n=24). The average SUS scores taken from the intervention arm at baseline, the midpoint (6 weeks), and the end of study (12 weeks) were 72.3 (SD 11.5), 72.3 (SD 12.4), and 86.3 (SD 10.8), respectively. All participants interviewed, including 4 dermatologists and program managers, were satisfied with the app. Especially community health care workers felt empowered by being equipped with the tool. A total of 79 cases of skin NTDs were reported in the intervention arm as compared to 17 cases in the control arm (P=.002). Besides the skin NTDs, more skin diseases and conditions were reported from the control than from the intervention arm (P<.001). However, 100 cases (66%) were not given any particular diagnosis in the control arm and were documented only as a "dermatosis." In the intervention arm, 151 cases (72.9%) were diagnosed within the eSkinHealth platform, and the remaining were diagnosed on-site by dermatologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provided evidence for the usability and effectiveness of the eSkinHealth app embedded into our surveillance approach to improve the detection and management of skin NTDs and other skin diseases in Côte d'Ivoire and, furthermore, is expected to contribute to knowledge on mobile health approaches in the control of skin diseases in resource-limited settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05300399; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05300399.

An international telehealth experience in Guatemala

ABSTRACT

An increase in competition for nurse practitioner preceptors and United States-based clinical practicum sites along with an increase in required direct patient care clinical hours demand innovative methods for gaining valuable nurse practitioner clinical experiences. Involving nurse practitioner students in medical mission trips to low-resource countries and follow-up telehealth clinics have been beneficial for all involved. Guatemala is a developing country in Latin America that has a high rate of poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of health care. Annual medical mission trips are beneficial in meeting the health care needs of Guatemalans but lack the frequent follow-up necessary to promote a more sustained impact. A monthly telehealth program was established in a rural area of Guatemala to promote the continuity of care for children with malnutrition. This article discusses associated barriers, strategies to overcome those barriers, and the inclusion of nurse practitioner students to meet the needs of the Guatemalan children with malnutrition using a telehealth program.

Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Digital Health Technology for Improving the Uptake of Vaccination Programs: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent infectious diseases, yet vaccination coverage has not reached the target level. To promote vaccination uptake, digital health interventions (DHIs) have been used in various vaccination programs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness analyses of DHIs for the improvement of the uptake of vaccination programs.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), APA PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCOhost), Center for Review and Dissemination, and Institute for IEEE Xplore up to October 2022. Health economic evaluations that met the following inclusion criteria were included: (1) adult or pediatric vaccination programs; (2) interventions delivered through digital technology; (3) full-scale health economic analyses including cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-benefit, or cost-consequence analyses; and (4) evaluations conducted by model-based or trial-based analyses. The quality of each included study was evaluated using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS).

RESULTS

The systematic review included 7 studies. Four of the cost-effectiveness studies were conducted by model-based analyses, and 3 were trial-based analyses. One study reported the additional cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, whereas 6 studies reported the additional cost per individual vaccinated (or return case). The vaccines targeted the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, influenza vaccination, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and children immunization at different ages. The DHIs were delivered by television campaign, web-based decision aid, SMS text message, telephone, and computer-generated recall letters. The studies were classified as very good (n=5) and good (n=2) qualities. One study concluded that the DHI was cost-saving, and 6 studies concluded that the DHI was cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first systematic review on cost-effectiveness analyses of DHIs to improve vaccination uptake. All included studies have good to very good quality on study assessment and reported the DHIs to be cost-saving or cost-effective in the improvement of vaccination uptake.

Informal carers' information needs in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of people with dementia and related mHealth applications: a systematic integrative review to inform the design of an mHealth application

OBJECTIVE

To review and synthesise the evidence on informal carers' information needs in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) of their care recipients and related mobile health (mHealth) applications to inform the design of an mHealth application.

DESIGN

This is a systematic integrative review guided by Whittemore and Knafl's five-stages framework. Six databases were searched: Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest and PsycINFO. The key concepts included 'dementia', 'behavioural and psychological symptoms', 'informal carers' and ('information need' or 'mHealth application'). Peer-reviewed full-text articles published in English from 2000 to 2022 were included. The methodological rigour of studies was analysed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool V.2018. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-2020 reporting guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

This review included 34 studies, including quantitative (n=13), qualitative (n=17) and mixed-method (n=4) studies. Four major themes emerged from the reported studies: the need for addressing information needs on managing BPSD, the role of support systems in managing BPSD, self-care for carers and the role of mHealth applications in providing education and support for carers. In managing BPSD, carers seek knowledge about dementia and BPSD, the roles of the carers and misconceptions about BPSD. One study reported an mHealth application to monitor the behavioural issues of people with dementia.

CONCLUSION

Informal carers of people with dementia face a number of challenges when providing care for BPSD of their care recipients. The lack of knowledge on managing BPSD is a significant challenge. Support systems such as professional, social, residential, legal and eHealth have a significant role in managing the BPSD of people with dementia in the community. mHealth interventions are sparse to support BPSD management. These findings can be used in designing an mHealth application that addresses needs related to managing BPSD of informal carers of people with dementia.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021238540.

Expanding the Evidence on the Safety and Efficiency of 2-Way Text Messaging-Based Telehealth for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Follow-up Compared With In-Person Reviews: Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural and Urban South Africa

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of high-quality evidence from digital health interventions in routine program settings in low- and middle-income countries. We previously conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Zimbabwe, demonstrating that 2-way texting (2wT) was safe and effective for follow-up after adult voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC).

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the replicability of 2wT, we conducted a larger RCT in both urban and rural VMMC settings in South Africa to determine whether 2wT improves adverse event (AE) ascertainment and, therefore, the quality of follow-up after VMMC while reducing health care workers' workload.

METHODS

A prospective, unblinded, noninferiority RCT was conducted among adult participants who underwent VMMC with cell phones randomized in a 1:1 ratio between 2wT and control (routine care) in North West and Gauteng provinces. The 2wT participants responded to a daily SMS text message with in-person follow-up only if desired or an AE was suspected. The control group was requested to make in-person visits on postoperative days 2 and 7 as per national VMMC guidelines. All participants were asked to return on postoperative day 14 for study-specific review. Safety (cumulative AEs ≤day 14 visit) and workload (number of in-person follow-up visits) were compared. Differences in cumulative AEs were calculated between groups. Noninferiority was prespecified with a margin of -0.25%. The Manning score method was used to calculate 95% CIs.

RESULTS

The study was conducted between June 7, 2021, and February 21, 2022. In total, 1084 men were enrolled (2wT: n=547, 50.5%, control: n=537, 49.5%), with near-equal proportions of rural and urban participants. Cumulative AEs were identified in 2.3% (95% CI 1.3-4.1) of 2wT participants and 1.0% (95% CI 0.4-2.3) of control participants, demonstrating noninferiority (1-sided 95% CI -0.09 to ∞). Among the 2wT participants, 11 AEs (9 moderate and 2 severe) were identified, compared with 5 AEs (all moderate) among the control participants-a nonsignificant difference in AE rates (P=.13). The 2wT participants attended 0.22 visits, and the control participants attended 1.34 visits-a significant reduction in follow-up visit workload (P<.001). The 2wT approach reduced unnecessary postoperative visits by 84.8%. Daily response rates ranged from 86% on day 3 to 74% on day 13. Among the 2wT participants, 94% (514/547) responded to ≥1 daily SMS text messages over 13 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Across rural and urban contexts in South Africa, 2wT was noninferior to routine in-person visits for AE ascertainment, demonstrating 2wT safety. The 2wT approach also significantly reduced the follow-up visit workload, improving efficiency. These results strongly suggest that 2wT provides quality VMMC follow-up and should be adopted at scale. Adaptation of the 2wT telehealth approach to other acute follow-up care contexts could extend these gains beyond VMMC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04327271; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04327271.

Co-design and prototype development of the 'Ayzot App': A mobile phone based remote monitoring system for palliative care

BACKGROUND

Palliative care, a recognised component of care by the World Health Organization is poorly developed in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile phone technology, an effective way to increase access and sustainability of healthcare systems globally, has demonstrated benefits within palliative care service delivery, but is yet to be utilised in Ethiopia.

AIM

To co-design, develop and evaluate a mobile phone based remote monitoring system for use by palliative care patients in Ethiopia.

DESIGN

Two-phase co-design approach comprising multiple methods that is stakeholder interviews, focus groups, user-co-creation activities and healthcare worker prioritisation discussions 2019-2020. Phase-1 interviews (n = 40), Phase-2 focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 10).

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Hospice Ethiopia and Yekatit 12 Medical College Hospital: healthcare workers, palliative care patients, family carers & software-developers.

RESULTS

Co-design activities lead to development of the prototype 'Ayzot' application, which was well received and reported to be easy to use. Patients, and family caregivers saw provision of self-care information and symptom management as a key function of the App and expressed very positive attitudes towards such information being included. Healthcare workers found the App offered service benefits, in terms of time and cost-savings.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides a detailed example of the development and design of a prototype remote monitoring system using mobile phone technology for palliative care use in Ethiopia. Further development and real-world testing are required, to not only understand how it acts within usual care to deliver anticipated benefits but also to explore its effectiveness and provide cost estimates for wider implementation.

Estimation of moral distress among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Moral distress is a common challenge among professional nurses when caring for their patients, especially when they need to make rapid decisions. Therefore, leaving moral distress unconsidered may jeopardize patient quality of care, safety, and satisfaction.

AIM

To estimate moral distress among nurses.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted systematic search in Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PsycInfo up to end of February 2022. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa checklist. Data from included studies were pooled by meta-analysis with random effect model in STATA software version 14. The selected key measure was mean score of moral distress total score with its' 95% Confidence Interval was reported. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to identify possible sources of heterogeneity and potentially influencing variables on moral distress. Funnel plots and Begg's Tests were used to assess publication bias. The Jackknife method was used for sensitivity analysis.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

The protocol of this project was registered in the PROSPERO database under decree code of CRD42021267773.

RESULTS

Eighty-six manuscripts with 19,537 participants from 21 countries were included. The pooled estimated mean score of moral distress was 2.55 on a 0-10 scale [95% Confidence Interval: 2.27-2.84, I²: 98.4%, Tau²:0.94]. Publication bias and small study effect was ruled out. Moral distress significantly decreased in the COVID-19 pandemic versus before. Nurses working in developing countries experienced higher level of moral distress compared to their counterparts in developed countries. Nurses' workplace (e.g., hospital ward) was not linked to severity of moral disturbance.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed a low level of pooled estimated score for moral distress. Although the score of moral distress was not high, nurses working in developing countries reported higher levels of moral distress than those working in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary that future studies focus on creating a supportive environment in hospitals and medical centers for nurses to reduce moral distress and improve healthcare.

Centering healthcare workers in developing digital health interventions: usability and acceptability of a two-way texting retention intervention in a public HIV clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi

Background

New initiates on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at high risk of treatment discontinuation, putting their health at risk. In low-resource settings, like Malawi, appropriate digital health applications must fit into local connectivity and resource constraints. Target users' perspectives are critical for app usability, buy-in and optimization. We describe the formative stages of the design of a two-way text-based (2wT) system of tailored reminders and adherence messages for new ART initiates and share results from key informant interviews with HCWs focused on app usability and acceptability.

Methods

Using a co-creation approach with clients, clinical, technical and evaluation teams and over app development, we held four informal user feedback sessions, a small pilot with 50 clients, and ten key informant (KIIs) to deepen our understanding of healthcare workers (HCWs) needs, acceptability and usability.

Results

Formative research informed the design of interactive client-to-HCW communication, refining of the language and timing of weekly text blast motivational messages and tailored client-specific visit reminders. Informal feedback from HCW stakeholders also informed educational materials to enhance 2wT client understanding of how to report transfers, request visit date changes and ask questions related to their visits. In KII, HCWs noted their appreciation for the co-creation process, believing that the participatory HCD process and responsive design team enabled the development of a highly acceptable and usable 2wT digital tool. HCWs also suggested future improvements to promote inclusion of clients of varying literacy levels and economic backgrounds as well as integrating with other health platforms to improve uptake of 2wT.

Conclusions

Inclusion of HCWs increased perceptions of app usability and acceptability among HCWs. HCWs believe that 2wT will improve on-time ART visit attendance and provide valuable early retention in care support. The co-creation approach appears successful in designing an app that will meet HCW needs and, therefore, support client adherence to visits.

Leveraging mHealth for the Treatment and Management of PLHIV

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze published literature from the last five years to assess facilitators and barriers to the adoption of mHealth as interventions to treat and manage HIV for PLHIV (people living with HIV). The primary outcomes were physical and mental conditions. The secondary outcomes were behavior based (substance use, care engagement, and healthy habits).

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were queried on 9/2/2022 for peer-reviewed studies on the treatment and management of PLHIV with mHealth as the intervention. The review was conducted in accordance with the Kruse Protocol and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020.

Results

Five mHealth interventions were identified across 32 studies that resulted in improvements in physical health, mental health, care engagement, and behavior change. mHealth interventions offer both convenience and privacy, meet a digital preference, increase health knowledge, decrease healthcare utilization, and increase quality of life. Barriers are cost of technology and incentives, training of staff, security concerns, digital literacy gap, distribution of technology, technical issues, usability, and visual cues are not available over the phone.

Conclusion

mHealth offers interventions to improve physical health, mental health, care engagement, and behavior for PLHIV. There are many advantages to this intervention and very few barriers to its adoption. The barriers are strong, however, and should be addressed through policy. Further research should focus on specific apps for younger versus older PLHIV, based on preferences and the digital literacy gap.

The facilitators and barriers of mHealth adoption and use among people with a low socio-economic position: A scoping review

Background

Despite the fact that 95% of the global population has a mobile phone, the adoption of mHealth lags among people with a low socio-economic position (SEP). As they face health risks and many barriers in the traditional offline healthcare system, mHealth has an important role. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that promote and impede mHealth adoption among people with a lower SEP.

Objective

The current study aims to provide an overview of what is known about the facilitators and barriers to the adoption and use of autonomous mHealth applications among people with low SEP.

Methods

A PRISMA scoping review in which the scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo and SocINDEX were searched in the period of March 2017 to March 2022.

Results

Of the 1827 indexed papers, 13 papers were included in the review. In these papers, 30 factors have been identified as promoting or hindering the adoption of autonomous mHealth applications among low SEP people.

Conclusions

Thirty factors were found to facilitate or impede mHealth adoption among people with a low SEP, categorised into intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, ecological and app specific levels. Factors are assumed to be interrelated. The relationship between traditional (offline) care and digital care appeared to be of particular interest as the current study revealed that face-to-face contact is a prerequisite of mHealth adoption among people with low SEP. Therefore, a well-structured cosmopolitan system of stakeholders has been recommended.

Trial registration

This study was registered in OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ATU9D).

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PULMONARY TB TREATMENT LOST TO FOLLOW-UP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: AN OVERVIEW

Background

Despite the available treatment options, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of disease-related deaths worldwide. Treatment non-adherence/lost to follow-up (LTFU), particularly in developing countries, is a continuous concern. LTFU prolongs TB infectiousness and contributes to TB treatment failure, relapse, and death. Furthermore, LTFU also delays global TB eradication by promoting TB spread and drug-resistant TB strain development.[1] The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the commonly observed risk factors associated with TB treatment LTFU in developing countries.

Materials and Methods

A literature survey was done of studies published in the past decade, which evaluated the risk factors for LTFU in TB patients, specifically in developing countries. Furthermore, some prospective TB treatment adherence initiatives and the feasibility of these initiatives within developing countries were assessed.[3].

Results

Several variables, including socio-demographic, patient-related, TB disease and other health-related-factors, healthcare and system determinants, as well as treatment-related factors, were identified to increase the risk of TB treatment LTFU. More recently applied adherence interventions in developing countries, show potential for implementation on a larger scale.

Conclusion

Successful TB treatment is contingent on treatment adherence, and by addressing these persisting LTFU risk factors, treatment adherence in developing countries may be improved.

Implementing SMS reminders for routine immunization in Northern Nigeria: a qualitative evaluation using the RE-AIM framework

BACKGROUND

Short Message Service (SMS) reminders have improved vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the limited use of SMS reminders in LMICs requires evaluating the intervention's internal and external validity to improve adoption and sustainability. Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, we qualitatively assessed the impact of a SMS reminder intervention implemented in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria between May 20, 2019 and May 31, 2020. This will guide and inform future SMS reminder interventions to improve childhood immunization uptake in LMICs.

METHODS

In June 2020, we conducted 14 focus group discussions, 13 in-depth interviews, and 20 key informant interviews among 144 purposively selected participants from five local government areas of Kebbi State. For analysis, we used a deductive approach to develop preliminary codes based on the RE-AIM framework and the inductive approach to generate themes that emerged from the interviews.

RESULTS

The perceived importance and impact of the SMS reminder in improving demand and uptake for vaccinations were the consistent contributing factors that encouraged participants' participation. Other facilitators included the involvement of health workers in supporting SMS reminder registration and community gatekeepers using existing structures to convey messages on scheduled immunization services. Policymakers adopted the intervention because it aligns with the state's priority to improve immunization coverage. Similarly, the SMS reminder appealed to health workers and program managers because it reduced their workload and served as a performance monitoring tool to track immunization and intervention defaulters. Despite these, low mobile phone ownership and the inability to read text messages due to the low literacy level were the main barriers during implementation. Finally, data availability on cost-effectiveness and the intervention's impact on improving coverage was critical for scalability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that SMS reminders in local languages could improve vaccination demand and uptake in resource-constrained settings due to their perceived importance and impact. Addressing the cited implementation barriers and promoting the facilitators is critical to its adoption and sustainability. Costing and impact data are needed to collaborate findings on the effectiveness of the SMS reminder to improve childhood vaccination uptake.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile application to improve the quality, collection, and usability of forensic documentation of sexual violence

BACKGROUND

Survivors of sexual violence deserve timely and high-quality forensic examination, evidence collection, and documentation as part of comprehensive care. However, in many countries, the quality of medical-legal documentation is severely limited. MediCapt is an innovative digital application that enables clinicians to document forensic medical evidence as well as capture and securely store forensic photographs of injuries. This study evaluated the effectiveness and usability of MediCapt to document forensic medical evidence of sexual violence.

METHODS

This mixed-methods evaluation involved key-informant interviews, usability questionnaires, and forensic record reviews. Participants included clinicians, medical records personnel, information technology personnel, and health facility administrators, as well as law enforcement and legal professionals in Kenya.

RESULTS

The Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) data quality checklist found that using MediCapt led to significantly higher data-quality scores compared to paper-based forms. MediCapt forms scored higher on 23 of 26 checklist items. While a wide difference in quality was seen among paper-based forms, MediCapt appeared to both standardize and improve quality of documentation across sites. MediCapt strengths included data security and confidentiality, accuracy and efficiency, and supplemental documentation with photography. Weaknesses included infrastructure challenges, required technological proficiencies, and time to learn the new system. Although it is early to assess the impact of MediCapt on prosecutions, providers and law and justice sector professionals were optimistic about its usefulness. They identified MediCapt as appropriate for use with survivors of sexual violence and reported MediCapt's legibility and photography features had already been commended by the court.

CONCLUSION

MediCapt was well-received across all sectors, its use was perceived as feasible and sustainable, and it significantly improved the quality of collected forensic data. It is anticipated this improvement in forensic documentation will increase successful prosecutions, strengthen accountability for perpetrators, and improve justice for survivors.

mHealth App Barriers, Usability, and Personalization: A Cross-Sectional Study from Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Mobile health (mHealth) has emerged as a substantial segment of eHealth. Herein, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate mHealth app barriers, usability, and personalization in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We used a Google survey to recruit participants from both countries between the 15th of September and the 15th of October 2022. Among 299 participants (247 from Egypt and 52 from Saudi Arabia), aged ≥ 18 years, 27.4% reported mHealth app use. In the age-, sex-, and country-adjusted regression models, age > 25 years: OR (95% CI) = 1.98 (1.11, 3.54), residing in Saudi Arabia: OR (95% CI) = 4.33 (2.22, 8.48), and physical activity: OR (95% CI) = 2.53 (1.44, 4.44) were associated with mHealth app use. The main mHealth app purposes were lifestyle promotion (35.4%), diet and nutrition (30.5%), and administrative services (13.4%). On a scale from 20 to 100, mHealth app usability scores were 46.3% (20−40), 7.3% (41−60), 31.7% (61−80), and 14.7% (81−100). According to 93.9% of users, mHealth app features were modifiable to meet personal health goals, while 37% stated that mHealth apps helped them set new personal health goals. In conclusion, age, residing in Saudi Arabia (compared to Egypt), and physical activity were positively associated with mHealth app use. mHealth app feature personalization and helping users set new personal health goals were largely reported, suggesting that mHealth has the potential to help put personalized healthcare into practice.

Perceptions and Attitudes Toward an Interactive Voice Response Tool (Call for Life Uganda) Providing Adherence Support and Health Information to HIV-Positive Ugandans: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

The continuing decline in AIDS-related deaths in the African region is largely driven by the steady scale-up of antiretroviral therapy. However, there are challenges to retaining people living with HIV on treatment. Call for Life Uganda (CFLU) is an interactive voice response tool using simple analogue phones. CFLU supports patients with daily pill reminders, preappointment reminders, symptom reporting and management, and weekly health promotion tips. Mobile health tools are being increasingly used in resource-limited settings but are often adopted without rigorous evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study conducted at 12 months after enrollment assessed patients' experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding CLFU.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative substudy within an open-label randomized controlled trial titled "Improving outcomes in HIV patients using mobile phone based interactive software support." Data were collected through 6 focus group discussions with participants sampled based on proportion of calls responded to-<25%, between 25% and 50%, and >50%-conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Mulago, and the Kasangati Health Centre IV. NVivo (version 11; QSR International) was used in the management of the data and in the coding of the emerging themes. The data were then analyzed using content thematic analysis.

RESULTS

There was consensus across all groups that they had more positive than negative experiences with the CFLU system. Participants who responded to >50% of the calls reported more frequent use of the specific elements of the CFLU tool and, consequently, experienced more benefits from the system than those who responded to calls less frequently. Irrespective of calls responded to, participants identified pill reminders as the most important aspect in improved quality of life, followed by health promotion tips. The most common challenge faced was difficulty with the secret personal identification number.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings showed participants' appreciation, high willingness, and interest in the intervention, CFLU, that demonstrated great perceived potential to improve their access to health care; adherence to treatment; health awareness; and, consequently, quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02953080; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02953080.

mHealth intervention to improve quality of life in patients with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 crisis in Paraguay: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic disease represent an at-risk group in the face of the COVID-19 crisis as they need to regularly monitor their lifestyle and emotional management. Coping with the illness becomes a challenge due to supply problems and lack of access to health care facilities. It is expected these limitations, along with lockdown and social distancing measures, have affected the routine disease management of these patients, being more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries with a flawed health care system.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to describe a protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of the Adhera® MejoraCare Digital Program, an mHealth intervention aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 outbreak in Paraguay.

METHOD

A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be carried out, with repeated measures (baseline, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month) under two conditions: Adhera® MejoraCare Digital Program or waiting list. The primary outcome is a change in the quality of life on the EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Other secondary outcomes, as the effect on anxiety and health empowerment, will be considered. All participants must be 18 years of age or older and meet the criteria for chronic disease. A total of 96 participants will be recruited (48 per arm).

CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that the Adhera® MejoraCare Digital Program will show significant improvements in quality of life and emotional distress compared to the waiting list condition. Additionally, it is hypothesized that this intervention will be positively evaluated by the participants in terms of usability and satisfaction. The findings will provide new insights into the viability and efficacy of mHealth solutions for chronic disease management in developing countries and in times of pandemic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04659746.

Do mothers pick up a phone? A cross-sectional study on delivery of MCH voice messages in Lagos, Nigeria

Background

Voice messages have been employed as an effective and efficient approach for increasing health service utilization and health promotion in low- and middle-income countries. However, unlike SMS, voice message services require their users to pick up a phone call at its delivery time. Furthermore, voice messages are difficult for the users to review their contents afterward. While recognizing that voice messages are more friendly to specific groups (eg, illiterate or less literate populations), there should be several challenges in successfully operationalizing its intervention program.

Objective

This study is aimed to estimate the extent to which voice message service users pick up the phone calls of voice messages and complete listening up to or beyond the core part of voice messages.

Methods

A voice message service program composed of 14 episodes on maternal, newborn, and child health was piloted in Lagos, Nigeria, from 2018 to 2019. A voice message call of each of 14 episodes was delivered to the mobile phones of the program participants per day for 14 consecutive days. A total of 513 participants in the voice message service chose one of five locally spoken languages as the language to be used for voice messages. Two multilevel logistic regression models were created to understand participants’ adherence to the voice message: (a) Model 1 for testing whether a voice message call is picked up; and (b) Model 2 for testing whether a voice message call having been picked up is listened to up to the core messaging part.

Results

The greater the voice message episode number became, the smaller proportion of the participants picked up the phone calls of voice message (aOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P = .01). Only 854 of 3765 voice message calls having been picked up by the participants (22.7%) were listened to up to their core message parts. It was found that picking up a phone call did not necessarily ensure listening up to the core message part. This indicates a discontinuity between these two actions.

Conclusions

The participants were likely to stop picking up the phone as the episode number of voice messages progressed. In view of the discontinuity between picking up a phone call and listening up to the core message part, we should not assume that those picking up the phone would automatically complete listening to the entire or core voice message.

Development of a Mobile Application for Detection of Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Feasibility Assessment with Primary Health Care Workers

Introduction: There has been a sharp increase in the use of digital health interventions in global health, particularly mobile health applications, in recent years. The extreme shortage of health care providers trained in mental health screening and intervention in low- and middle-income countries raises questions about the applicability of mobile applications to deliver these services due to their accessibility and availability. This exploratory paper describes the development and feasibility assessment of a mobile screening application for the detection of mental disorders among adolescents in Zambia and South Africa. Methods: Eighty-two health care workers (HCW) working in primary care evaluated the acceptability and practicality of the mobile screening application after receiving brief training. The evaluation included questions from the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) as well as open-ended questions. Results: The acceptability of the screening app was high and study participants were positive about using the app in routine care. Problems with internet connectivity, and time and staff constraints were perceived as the main barriers to regular use. Conclusion: HCW in primary care were able and willing to use a mobile screening app for the detection of mental health problems among treatment-seeking adolescents. Implementation in clinical practice needs to be further evaluated.

The Current Status of Telemedicine Technology Use Across the World Health Organization European Region: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Background

Several systematic reviews evaluating the use of telemedicine by clinicians, patients, and health authorities to improve the delivery of care in the 53 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region have been conducted in recent years. However, a study summarizing the findings of these reviews has not been conducted.

Objective

This overview of systematic reviews aimed to summarize findings regarding the use of telemedicine across the 53 member states and identify the medical fields and levels of care in and at which the effectiveness, feasibility, and applicability of telemedicine have been demonstrated. The barriers to and facilitators of telemedicine use were also evaluated and collated to help with the design and implementation of telemedicine interventions.

Methods

Through a comprehensive systematic evaluation of the published and unpublished literature, we extracted clinical, epidemiological, and technology-related data from each review included in the study. We focused on evaluating the barriers to and facilitators of the use of telemedicine apps across the 53 member states considered. We rated the methodological quality of each of the included reviews based on A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review 2 approach and judged the overall certainty of evidence by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology. The entire process was performed by 2 independent authors.

Results

This overview drew on data from >2239 primary studies, with >20,000 enrolled patients in total, within the WHO European Region. On the basis of data from randomized trials, observational studies, and economic evaluations from several countries, the results show a clear benefit of telemedicine technologies in the screening, diagnosis, management, treatment, and long-term follow-up of a series of chronic diseases. However, we were unable to pool the results into a reliable numeric parameter because of the high heterogeneity of intervention methodologies, scheduling, primary study design discrepancies, settings, and geographical locations. In addition to the clinical outcomes of the interventions, the social and economic outcomes are highlighted.

Conclusions

The application of telemedicine is well established across countries in the WHO European Region; however, some countries could still benefit from the many uses of these digital solutions. Barriers related to users, technology, and infrastructure were the largest. Conversely, the provision of health services using technological devices was found to significantly enhance patients’ clinical outcomes, improve the long-term follow-up of patients by medical professionals, and offer logistical benefits for both patients and health workers.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42022309375; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=309375