Thème :

Amélioration de l’efficience des interventions sanitaires

Type de présentation :

Présentation Orale

Titre abstract :

Developing the Content of a mHealth Intervention to Improve Retention in Care and Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Auteurs :

Elvis Asangbeng TANUE^1*, Dickson SHEY NSAGHA¹, Jules Clement NGUEDIA ASSOB¹, Theophile NJAMEN NANA¹

 

 

Institutions:

¹University of Buea, Cameroon

Corresponding authors :

asangbengelvis@gmail.com

Référence :

CaHReF 2018, Yaoundé Congres hall, 08 – 11 January 2019 , OAEI017

Abstract :

Background: Background: Improved retention in care and proper adherence to antiretroviral therapy are important steps to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat.

Objectif: Objective: The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used to develop text messages targeted at improving retention in care and promoting adherence to treatment.

Methodology: Methods: We conducted five focus group discussions (FGD) with health workers, care-givers and clients attending HIV treatment centres. Discussion topics were informed by constructs of the HBM and factors that may influence retention in care and adherence to treatment. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed using Atlas-ti 6.0. Themes were generated and used to draft intervention messages. Texts messages were presented in a follow-up FGD in order to develop optimal phrasing and finalized for the intervention.

Results: Results: Findings indicated that brief, polite, personalized, caring, encouraging and educational text messages would facilitate clients' retention and adherence, suggesting that text messages may serve as an important ‘‘cue to action.'' Participants emphasized that messages should not mention HIV due to fear of HIV disclosure. It was also concluded that the word "food" should be used in place of medication or drug when sending the messages. Participants also noted that text messages should capitalize on the importance of treatment in prolonging lives.

Conclusion/Recommandation: Applying a multi-stage content development approach to drafting text messages, resulted in message content that was consistent across different focus groups. This approach could help answer ‘‘why'' and ‘‘how'' text messaging may be a useful tool to support clients' health. The effects of these messages are being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Key Words: Adherence; Antiretroviral; HIV; SMS; Retention; RCT