Acceptability of short message service (SMS) as a tool for malaria treatment adherence in the Brazilian Amazon: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide, and patient adherence to prescribed antimalarials is essential for effective treatment. This cross-sectional study, with in-depth telephone interviews, analyzed participants' perceptions of short message service (SMS) in adherence to treatment. Five thematic categories emerged: decreased forgetfulness, the novelty of the tool, easy-to-understand language, the impact of SMS messages during treatment, and suggestions for improvement and complaints. SMS could assist patients in adhering to prescribed antimalarials.