Mobile phone access and comfort: implications for HIV and tuberculosis care in India and South Africa

S. N. Cox, J. L. Elf, R. Lokhande, Y. P. Ogale, L. DiAndreth, E. Dupuis, M. Milovanovic, N. Mpungose, V. Mave, N. Suryavanshi, A. Gupta, N. Martinson, J. E. Golub, J. S. Mathad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

SETTING: India and South Africa shoulder the greatest burden of tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection respectively, but care retention is suboptimal.OBJECTIVE: We conducted a study in Pune, India, and Matlosana, South Africa, 1) to identify the factors associated with mobile phone access and comfort of use, 2) to assess access patterns.DESIGN: A cross-sectional study assessed mobile phone access, and comfort; a longitudinal study assessed access patterns.RESULTS: We enrolled 261 participants: 136 in India and 125 in South Africa. Between 1 week and 6 months, participant contact decreased from 90% (n = 122) to 57% (n = 75) in India and from 93% (n = 116) to 70% (n = 88) in South Africa. In the latter, a reason for a clinic visit for HIV management was associated with 63% lower odds of contact than other priorities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, maternal health, TB). In India, 57% (n = 78) reported discomfort with texting; discomfort was higher in the unemployed (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.97, 95%CI 1.12-22.09) and those aged ≥35 years (aOR 1.10, 95%CI 1.04-1.16) participants, but lower in those with higher education (aOR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-1.14). In South Africa, 91% (n = 114) reported comfort with texting.CONCLUSION: Mobile phone contact was poor at 6 months. While mHealth could transform TB-HIV care, alternative approaches may be needed for certain subpopulations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)865-872
Number of pages8
JournalThe international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume23
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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