Use of mobile phone among patients with HIV/AIDS in a low-middle income setting: a descriptive exploratory study
Date
2022
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
The use of mobile phone and factors influencing usage have least been explored in spite of its
relevance in mHealth adoption. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study to evaluate the
use of mobile phone alarm application, text messaging and voice call among HIV positive
clients. We randomly selected 362 respondents who were 18–65 years and receive care from
two health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and data analysed to
describe and predict mobile phone use. SPSS version 20 was used to process data for analysis.
Findings revealed respondent (n = 338, 93%) did not share their mobile phones. Voice call was
predominantly used (n = 227, 63%) while text messaging and mobile alarm functions were
sparingly used. Majority (n = 285, 78.9%) did not use the mobile phone application to support
adherence. Age and employment predicted the use of mobile phone alarm (OR ± 1.56, p <
0.05), test messaging (OR ± 1.48, p < 0.05) and voice calls (OR ± 1.25, p < 0.05). We observed
that younger age and employment influence the use of mobile phones. Voice calls are more
acceptable because it is simple and easy to use. Knowledge and persuasion are fundamental to
mobile phone literacy skills development and should be integrated in mHealth interventions.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Mobile phone, alarm, text messages, voice call, HIV clients