Mobile Phone-based Intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
-
Published:2022-08-26
Issue:2
Volume:22
Page:
-
ISSN:1680-6905
-
Container-title:African Health Sciences
-
language:
-
Short-container-title:Afr H. Sci.
Author:
Nakanjako Damalie,Kakyama Mayanja Eisah,Semwanga Rwashana Agnes,Semitala Fred,Katureebe Cordelia,Ssali Mina,Muddu Martin,Ssinabulya Isaac
Abstract
Introduction: Keeping HIV-infected adults away from the health care system during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, presents a challenge to HIV treatment adherence.
Methods: This study focused on the initial two phases where Phase 1 designed a Makerere College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based application; and Phase 2 piloted patient enrolment onto the application and determined the feasibility of remote follow-up of patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Results: A off/online user application, MakCHS Health app, was developed. Overall, 112 patients [(66(59%) female] receiving ART at Mulago ISS clinic, Kampala, were enrolled onto the MakCHS Health app. Up to 89 (80%) utilized the app to access medical help. Patients’ medical queries included needs for drug refills, missed taking HIV medication, medical illnesses, access to COVID-19 vaccination and other personal needs that required clinicians’ attention.
Conclusion: Piloting a MakCHS Health application for patient follow-up was feasible and well-received by HIV treatment providers and patients receiving ART. We recommend scale up of the application to enroll all patients receiving long-term treatment for HIV/AIDS, and subsequently expand to. other HIV treatment programs in similar settings.
Keywords: M-Health; patient follow up; Chronic HIV treatment; Antiretroviral therapy.
Publisher
African Journals Online (AJOL)
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献