Mobile Phone-based Intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Afr Health Sci
; 22(Spec Issue): 85-92, 2022 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2010438
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
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Cell Phone
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr Health Sci
Journal subject:
Medicine
/
Health Services
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ahs.v22i2.14S
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS