Enhancing Performance of HIV/AIDS Projects through Digital Health Interventions for Client Appointments in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of health service providers on the relationship between utilization of digital health intervention (DHI) for clients’ adherence to appointments and performance of HIV/AIDS projects in Kisumu County using an ex-post facto cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A census approach was used to recruit 191 participants who were at work during the data collection period across eight health facilities where the DHI was being used. Quantitative data was collected electronically using a questionnaire built a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive analysis involved generating the means and standard deviations while inferential analysis involved determining correlations and linear regression modelling. Results for both descriptive and inferential statistics are presented using tables. Qualitative data was collected using a key informant interview guide and analyzed thematically. Data were collected in January 2022. Results show a high level of utilization of DHI for clients’ appointments adherence (composite mean =4.28; SD=0.77; CI=95%). Performance of HIV/AIDS projects was scored highly with a composite mean of 4.47 (SD=0.057; CI=95%). A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.349; p value<0.001, showed a statistically significant positive relationship between the two variables. Utilization of DHI for clients’ appointments adherence could potentially influence performance of HIV/AIDS projects by up to 28% (R2=0.28, p value<0.001). The study concluded that the DHI for clients’ appointments adherence was critical in improving adherence to treatment plans and management of appointments as an electronic diary at the health facilities hence improving performance of HIV/AIDS projects.