33 research outputs found
Needs and contents of a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro
No full textAbstract Background Retention in care and adherence to medication among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (PBWLH) are crucial for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Wide coverage of mobile phones, digital tools, including internet-enabled medication dispensers and short message service (SMS), have been recommended as potential interventions to improve adherence to medication by PBWLH. The main objective of the study was to understand the needs and contents for a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among PBWLH. Method A mixed-methods study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022 at five health facilities in the Kilimanjaro region. We interviewed 142 pregnant and breastfeeding women, receiving PMTCT services, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among the interviewed, twenty breastfeeding women were purposively selected and enrolled to use an internet-enabled Wisepill medication dispenser for one month. They received different types of SMS reminders for one month, and feedback on their adherence patterns was received after one month using an adherence graph from the Wisepill digital tool. Later, exit and in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the needs and contents of a future customized digital adherence tool. Descriptive analyses for quantitative data and thematic content analyses for qualitative data were also done. Results Among 142 women interviewed, 42(30%) were pregnant and 100 (70%) were breastfeeding. Most 136 (95%) had access to mobile phones and used SMS daily, while 90% were interested in receiving reminder messages. Qualitative findings revealed more insights into reminders’ content and educational SMS. Most people preferred neutral SMS, which does not contain the word “medication”. Health educational SMS content was preferred to be on breastfeeding, opportunistic diseases, nutrition and entrepreneurship education. Overall, SMSs were regarded as helpful to remind clients of medication time and the medication dispenser provided them with privacy and safe storage for their medication. Conclusions This study's findings will help construct useful content for future digital adherence tools to support the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV
Implementation bottlenecks of real time medication monitoring (evriMED) for improving adherence to anti-TB drugs among people with tuberculosis in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
No full textIntroduction: Digital Adherence Tools (DATs), which include real-time medication monitoring and Short Message Service (SMS) reminders, have been reported to improve medication adherence among people with Tuberculosis (TB). Recently, in limited resource settings, DATs have been described as a promising tool to monitor patients’ medication behaviour. We aimed to determine implementation bottlenecks of real-time medication monitoring using the evriMED device. Method: We conducted a research study using a mixed-methods approach, involving both people with TB s and directly observed treatment (DOT) providers who participated in the REMIND-TB trial and utilized the evriMED devices. EvriMED is a medication dispenser with internet connectivity that can send real-time SMS reminders. To gather data, we extracted reports from the Wisepill dashboard, specifically the client status report. This report documented the activity status of all devices, including communication and battery status. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews with people with TB and TB care providers who were involved in implementing the Remind TB trial in the Kilimanjaro region. These interviews were guided by the MIDI (Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovation), which helps identify the factors influencing the implementation of innovations such as evriMED. Results: Out of the initial 281 participants who were given devices, 245 completed the 6-month follow-up period. The findings indicate that at month 6, most of the devices (49%) reported battery-related challenges. Additionally, forty devices (14%) had reported more than one incidence of losing communication. Through interviews with participants, we observed that evriMED was perceived as user-friendly, and the people with TB reported high satisfaction as the device facilitated improved medication intake. TB care providers also said that evriMED was a relevant tool to be used by the people with TB. However, during the in-depth interview certain implementation bottlenecks were identified, including network issues, limited training, and low technology knowledge among TB care providers, who found the procedure of using the evriMED to be time-consuming. Conclusion: Implementation of evriMED was perceived as user-friendly and highly satisfactory by people with TB. Certain implementation bottlenecks were identified as potential barriers to the use of devices. These bottlenecks include network issues, limited training, battery-related challenges and low technological knowledge among TB care providers, which may have contributed to communication loss. Further research may be needed to address these limitations and develop effective strategies to facilitate the successful implementation of evriMED as a tool for improving medication intake among people with TB
Estimating prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders in Tanzania – A pilot study
Get PDFDataset contains individual participant records for the data gathered in the study as described. Variables included are the outcome measures analyses and all additional variables considered in analyses and summarised in the paper
"The phone number tells us good things we didn't know before." Use of interactive voice response calling for improving knowledge and uptake of family planning methods among Maasai in Tanzania.
Get PDFMaasai living in the Arusha region, Tanzania, face challenges in feeding their children because of decreasing grazing grounds for their cattle. Therefore, they requested birth control methods. Previous studies have shown that lack of knowledge about, and poor access to, family planning (FP) may worsen the situation. We developed an interactive voice response calling (IVRC) platform for Maasai and health care workers (HCW) to create a venue for communication about FP to increase knowledge and access to FP. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the platform on knowledge, access and use of family planning methods. We applied a participatory action research approach using mixed methods for data collection to develop and pilot-test an mHealth-platform with IVRC using Maa language. We enrolled Maasai-couples and HCW in Monduli District (Esilalei ward), Arusha Region, and followed them for 20 months. A baseline assessment was done to explore knowledge about FP. Furthermore, we abstracted information on FP clinic visits. Based on that, we developed a system called Embiotishu. A toll-free number was provided to interact with the system by calling with their phone. The system offers pre-recorded voice messages with information about FP and reproductive health to educate Maasai. The system recorded the number of calls and the type of information accessed. We measured the outcome by (1) a survey investigating the knowledge of contraceptive methods before and after Embiotishu and (2) counting the number of clinic visits (2018-2020) from medical records and feedback from qualitative data for FP used among Maasai. The acceptability and feasibility were explored through focus group discussions (FGDs) with Maasai and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCW. We recruited 76 Maasai couples whom we interviewed during the baseline assessment. The overall knowledge of contraceptives increased significantly (p<0.005) in both men and women. The number of clinic visits rose from 137 in 2018 to 344 in 2019 and 228 in the first six months of 2020. Implants were the most prescribed family planning method, followed by injections and pills, as found in medical records. The number of incoming calls, missed calls, and questions were 24,033 over 20 months. Out of these calls, 14,547 topics were selected. The most selected topics were modern contraceptives (mainly implants, condoms, tubal ligation, and vasectomy). Natural methods of contraception (vaginal fluid observations, calendar, and temperature). Our study has shown that the IVRC system led to an improvement in knowledge about and access to contraceptives. Furthermore, it has potential to increase access to health information as well as improve dialogue between Health workers and Maasai
Forgetting to Take Medication, Treatment Adherence and Their Relationship with Viral Load Suppression Among People Living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
No full textBackground: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for virological suppression and positive treatment outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV), but remains a challenge in ensuring patients achieve and sustain viral load suppression. Despite the recommended use of digital tools medications uptake reminders, the contribution of forgetting to take medication is unknown. This study investigated the contribution of forgetting to take medication on the total missed medication and its effects on detectable viral load (VL). Methods: This mixed-method research was conducted among children, adolescents, pregnant, and breastfeeding women living with HIV on ART in northern Tanzania. Forgetting to take medication constituted reporting to have missed medication due to forgetfulness. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the contribution of forgetting medication intakes on total missed medication and other factors associated with having a detectable VL. Results: Of 427 respondents, 33.3% were children, 33.4% adolescents, and 33.3% pregnant and breastfeeding women, whose median age (interquartile range) was 9 (7–12), 18 (16–18), and 31 (27–36) years, respectively. Ninety-two (22.3%) reported missing medication over the past month, of which 72 (17.9%) was due to forgetting. Forgetting to take medication (AOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.01–3.06) and being on second-line regimen (AOR: 2.89 95% CI: 1.50–5.55) increased the chances of a detectable VL, while females had lower chances of detectable VL (AOR: 0.62 95% CI: 0.41–0.98). The themes on the reasons for forgetting to take medication from qualitative results included being busy with work and the importance of reminders. Conclusion: Forgetting to take medication is common among PLHIV and an important predictor of a detectable VL. This calls for the use of automated short message services (SMS) reminders or Digital Adherence Tools with reminders to improve and promote good ART adherence among PLHIV
The distribution of selected topics.
No full textIntroductionMaasai living in the Arusha region, Tanzania, face challenges in feeding their children because of decreasing grazing grounds for their cattle. Therefore, they requested birth control methods. Previous studies have shown that lack of knowledge about, and poor access to, family planning (FP) may worsen the situation. We developed an interactive voice response calling (IVRC) platform for Maasai and health care workers (HCW) to create a venue for communication about FP to increase knowledge and access to FP. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the platform on knowledge, access and use of family planning methods. We applied a participatory action research approach using mixed methods for data collection to develop and pilot-test an mHealth-platform with IVRC using Maa language. We enrolled Maasai-couples and HCW in Monduli District (Esilalei ward), Arusha Region, and followed them for 20 months. A baseline assessment was done to explore knowledge about FP. Furthermore, we abstracted information on FP clinic visits. Based on that, we developed a system called Embiotishu. A toll-free number was provided to interact with the system by calling with their phone. The system offers pre-recorded voice messages with information about FP and reproductive health to educate Maasai. The system recorded the number of calls and the type of information accessed. We measured the outcome by (1) a survey investigating the knowledge of contraceptive methods before and after Embiotishu and (2) counting the number of clinic visits (2018–2020) from medical records and feedback from qualitative data for FP used among Maasai. The acceptability and feasibility were explored through focus group discussions (FGDs) with Maasai and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCW. We recruited 76 Maasai couples whom we interviewed during the baseline assessment. The overall knowledge of contraceptives increased significantly (p</div
Estimating the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders in Tanzania: a cross-sectional pilot study
Get PDFIntroduction: musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders account for approximately 20% of all years lived with disability worldwide however studies of MSK disorders in Africa are scarce. This pilot study aimed to estimate the community-based prevalence of MSK disorders, identify predictors, and assess the associated disability in a Tanzanian population.
Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in one village in the Kilimanjaro region from March to June 2019. The Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine (GALS) or paediatric GALS (pGALS) examinations were used during household and school visits. Individuals positive in GALS/pGALS screening were assessed by the regional examination of the musculoskeletal system (REMS) and Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ).
Results: among the 1,172 individuals enrolled in households, 95 (8.1%, 95% CI: 6.6 - 9.8) showed signs of MSK disorders using the GALS/pGALS examination and 37 (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.2 - 4.3) using the REMS. Among 682 schools enrolled children, seven showed signs of MSK disorders using the GALS/pGALS examination (1.0%, 95% CI: 0.4 - 2.1) and three using the REMS (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.0 - 1.3). In the household-enrolled adult population, female gender and increasing age were associated with GALS and REMS-positive findings. Among GALS-positive adults, increasing age was associated with REMS-positive status and increasing MHAQ score.
Conclusion: this Tanzanian study demonstrates a prevalence of MSK disorders and identifies predictors of MSK disorders comparable to those seen globally. These findings can inform the development of rheumatology services and interventions in Tanzania and the design of future investigations of the determinants of MSK disorders, and their impacts on health, livelihoods, and well-being
Knowledge about contraceptives.
No full textIntroductionMaasai living in the Arusha region, Tanzania, face challenges in feeding their children because of decreasing grazing grounds for their cattle. Therefore, they requested birth control methods. Previous studies have shown that lack of knowledge about, and poor access to, family planning (FP) may worsen the situation. We developed an interactive voice response calling (IVRC) platform for Maasai and health care workers (HCW) to create a venue for communication about FP to increase knowledge and access to FP. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the platform on knowledge, access and use of family planning methods. We applied a participatory action research approach using mixed methods for data collection to develop and pilot-test an mHealth-platform with IVRC using Maa language. We enrolled Maasai-couples and HCW in Monduli District (Esilalei ward), Arusha Region, and followed them for 20 months. A baseline assessment was done to explore knowledge about FP. Furthermore, we abstracted information on FP clinic visits. Based on that, we developed a system called Embiotishu. A toll-free number was provided to interact with the system by calling with their phone. The system offers pre-recorded voice messages with information about FP and reproductive health to educate Maasai. The system recorded the number of calls and the type of information accessed. We measured the outcome by (1) a survey investigating the knowledge of contraceptive methods before and after Embiotishu and (2) counting the number of clinic visits (2018–2020) from medical records and feedback from qualitative data for FP used among Maasai. The acceptability and feasibility were explored through focus group discussions (FGDs) with Maasai and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCW. We recruited 76 Maasai couples whom we interviewed during the baseline assessment. The overall knowledge of contraceptives increased significantly (p</div
Provides the details of IVRC content flow.
No full textIntroductionMaasai living in the Arusha region, Tanzania, face challenges in feeding their children because of decreasing grazing grounds for their cattle. Therefore, they requested birth control methods. Previous studies have shown that lack of knowledge about, and poor access to, family planning (FP) may worsen the situation. We developed an interactive voice response calling (IVRC) platform for Maasai and health care workers (HCW) to create a venue for communication about FP to increase knowledge and access to FP. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the platform on knowledge, access and use of family planning methods. We applied a participatory action research approach using mixed methods for data collection to develop and pilot-test an mHealth-platform with IVRC using Maa language. We enrolled Maasai-couples and HCW in Monduli District (Esilalei ward), Arusha Region, and followed them for 20 months. A baseline assessment was done to explore knowledge about FP. Furthermore, we abstracted information on FP clinic visits. Based on that, we developed a system called Embiotishu. A toll-free number was provided to interact with the system by calling with their phone. The system offers pre-recorded voice messages with information about FP and reproductive health to educate Maasai. The system recorded the number of calls and the type of information accessed. We measured the outcome by (1) a survey investigating the knowledge of contraceptive methods before and after Embiotishu and (2) counting the number of clinic visits (2018–2020) from medical records and feedback from qualitative data for FP used among Maasai. The acceptability and feasibility were explored through focus group discussions (FGDs) with Maasai and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCW. We recruited 76 Maasai couples whom we interviewed during the baseline assessment. The overall knowledge of contraceptives increased significantly (p</div
Socio-demographic characteristics of Maasai.
No full textIntroductionMaasai living in the Arusha region, Tanzania, face challenges in feeding their children because of decreasing grazing grounds for their cattle. Therefore, they requested birth control methods. Previous studies have shown that lack of knowledge about, and poor access to, family planning (FP) may worsen the situation. We developed an interactive voice response calling (IVRC) platform for Maasai and health care workers (HCW) to create a venue for communication about FP to increase knowledge and access to FP. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the platform on knowledge, access and use of family planning methods. We applied a participatory action research approach using mixed methods for data collection to develop and pilot-test an mHealth-platform with IVRC using Maa language. We enrolled Maasai-couples and HCW in Monduli District (Esilalei ward), Arusha Region, and followed them for 20 months. A baseline assessment was done to explore knowledge about FP. Furthermore, we abstracted information on FP clinic visits. Based on that, we developed a system called Embiotishu. A toll-free number was provided to interact with the system by calling with their phone. The system offers pre-recorded voice messages with information about FP and reproductive health to educate Maasai. The system recorded the number of calls and the type of information accessed. We measured the outcome by (1) a survey investigating the knowledge of contraceptive methods before and after Embiotishu and (2) counting the number of clinic visits (2018–2020) from medical records and feedback from qualitative data for FP used among Maasai. The acceptability and feasibility were explored through focus group discussions (FGDs) with Maasai and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCW. We recruited 76 Maasai couples whom we interviewed during the baseline assessment. The overall knowledge of contraceptives increased significantly (p</div
