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
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36321123
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.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por HIV
/
Telefone Celular
/
COVID-19
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Afr Health Sci
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA
/
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Uganda