Ggita, JM; Ojok, C; Meyer, AJ; Farr, K; Shete, PB; Ochom, E; Turimumahoro, P; Babirye, D; Mark, D; Dowdy, D; +9 more... Ackerman, S; Armstrong-Hough, M; Nalugwa, T; Ayakaka, I; Moore, D; Haberer, JE; Cattamanchi, A; Katamba, A; Davis, JL; (2018) Patterns of usage and preferences of users for tuberculosis-related text messages and voice calls in Uganda. The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease, 22 (5). pp. 530-536. ISSN 1027-3719 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.17.0521
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little information exists about mobile phone usage or preferences for tuberculosis (TB) related health communications in Uganda. METHODS: We surveyed household contacts of TB patients in urban Kampala, Uganda, and clinic patients in rural central Uganda. Questions addressed mobile phone access, usage, and preferences for TB-related communications. We collected qualitative data about messaging preferences. RESULTS: We enrolled 145 contacts and 203 clinic attendees. Most contacts (58%) and clinic attendees (75%) owned a mobile phone, while 42% of contacts and 10% of clinic attendees shared one; 94% of contacts and clinic attendees knew how to receive a short messaging service (SMS) message, but only 59% of contacts aged 45 years (vs. 96% of contacts aged <45 years, P = 0.0001) did so. All contacts and 99% of clinic attendees were willing and capable of receiving personal-health communications by SMS. Among contacts, 55% preferred detailed messages disclosing test results, while 45% preferred simple messages requesting a clinic visit to disclose results. CONCLUSIONS: Most urban household TB contacts and rural clinic attendees reported having access to a mobile phone and willingness to receive TB-related personal-health communications by voice call or SMS. However, frequent phone sharing and variable messaging abilities and preferences suggest a need to tailor the design and monitoring of mHealth interventions to target recipients.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department | Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Dept of Clinical Research |
Research Centre | TB Centre |
PubMed ID | 29663958 |
ISI | 435764500012 |
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