Mobile Phone Messaging Research Articles

Complementary Feeding Social and Behavior Change Communication for Fathers and Mothers Improves Children’s Consumption of Fish and Eggs and Minimum Meal Frequency in Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTBackgroundFathers are key influencers of complementary feeding practices, but few studies in low- and middle-income countries have measured the effects of complementary feeding social and behavior change communication (SBCC) targeted at both fathers and mothers.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to measure the effects of an SBCC intervention on children's dietary diversity (primary outcome) and other complementary feeding indicators, fathers’ and mothers’ complementary feeding knowledge, and fathers’ support for complementary feeding (secondary outcomes).MethodsThe 12-mo intervention in Kaduna State, Nigeria, engaged parents through community meetings, religious services, home visits from community health extension workers (CHEWs), mobile phone messages (fathers only), and mass media. Cross-sectional population-based surveys of cohabiting fathers and mothers with a child aged 6–23 mo were conducted, and regression models were used to compare results at baseline (n = 497) and endline (n = 495).ResultsChildren's minimum dietary diversity did not change from baseline to endline (62% to 65%, P = 0.441). Children's consumption of fish (36% to 44%, P = 0.012) and eggs (8% to 20%, P = 0.004) and minimum meal frequency (58% to 73%, P < 0.001) increased. Fathers’ and mothers’ knowledge of the timing of introduction of different foods and meal frequency improved. Fathers’ support for child feeding by providing money for food increased (79% to 90%, P < 0.001). Fathers’ and mothers’ reported intervention exposure was low (11–26% across types of SBCC). Child feeding outcomes were not associated with fathers’ exposure. Children's odds of both fish and egg consumption increased significantly with mothers’ exposure to community meetings, religious services, home visits, and television spots, and children's odds of minimum meal frequency increased significantly with mothers’ exposure to home visits.ConclusionsA multipronged SBCC intervention improved complementary feeding practices, fathers’ and mothers’ knowledge of complementary feeding, and fathers’ support for complementary feeding, despite low levels of reported exposure, which may have been influenced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disruptions. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04835662.

Breastfeeding Interpersonal Communication, Mobile Phone Support, and Mass Media Messaging Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 and 24 Weeks Among Clients of Private Health Facilities in Lagos, Nigeria

BackgroundAlthough most health facilities in urban Nigeria are privately owned, interventions to promote optimal breastfeeding practices in private facilities have not previously been implemented. ObjectivesWe tested the impact of a breastfeeding promotion intervention on early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding among clients of private facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. MethodsThe intervention included training for health-care providers on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and breastfeeding counseling skills, provision of interpersonal communication and support to women at facilities and on WhatsApp, distribution of behavior change communication materials, and mobile phone and mass media messaging. We used logistic regression models adjusted for clustering to measure intervention impact in a cohort of women (n = 1200) at 10 intervention and 10 comparison facilities interviewed during their third trimester and at 6 and 24 weeks postpartum. ResultsThe intervention significantly increased the percentage of infants who were exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks (83% intervention; 76% comparison; P = 0.02) and 24 weeks (66% intervention; 52% comparison; P < 0.001), but had no impact on early initiation of breastfeeding (35% intervention; 33% comparison; P = 0.65). Among infants who were exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks, the odds of continued exclusive breastfeeding at 24 weeks were higher in the intervention arm than in the comparison arm (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1). Infants had increased odds of being exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks if their mothers discussed breastfeeding with a private health provider (OR, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.4), received text or WhatsApp messages about breastfeeding (OR, 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.7), or heard breastfeeding radio spots (OR, 4.2; 95% CI: 1.2-14.7). Infants had increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 24 weeks if their mothers participated in a WhatsApp breastfeeding support group (OR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2). ConclusionsA breastfeeding intervention in private health facilities in Lagos increased exclusive breastfeeding. Implementation of breastfeeding interventions in private facilities could extend the reach of breastfeeding promotion programs in urban Nigeria. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04835051.

The Effectiveness of Mobile Phone Messaging–Based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. Physical activity (PA) is an important aspect of self-care and first line management for T2DM. SMS text messaging can be used to support self-management in people with T2DM, but the effectiveness of mobile text message–based interventions in increasing PA is still unclear.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging on PA in people with T2DM by summarizing and pooling the findings of previous literature.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to accomplish this objective. Search sources included 5 bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase), the search engine Google Scholar (Google Inc), and backward and forward reference list checking of the included studies and relevant reviews. A total of 2 reviewers (MA and AA) independently carried out the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence evaluation. The results of the included studies were synthesized narratively and statistically, as appropriate.ResultsWe included 3.8% (6/151) of the retrieved studies. The results of individual studies were contradictory regarding the effectiveness of mobile text messaging on PA. However, a meta-analysis of the results of 5 studies showed no statistically significant effect (P=.16) of text messages on PA in comparison with no intervention. A meta-analysis of the findings of 2 studies showed a nonsignificant effect (P=.14) of text messages on glycemic control. Of the 541 studies, 2 (0.4%) found a nonsignificant effect of text messages on anthropometric measures (weight and BMI).ConclusionsWe could not draw a definitive conclusion regarding the effectiveness of text messaging on PA, glycemic control, weight, or BMI among patients with T2MD, given the limited number of included studies and their high risk of bias. Therefore, there is a need for more high-quality primary studies.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020156465; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=156465

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mobile Phone Messaging Intervention on Vaccine Preventable Diseases

The re-emerging of vaccine preventable diseases is a global public health burgeoning issue. The incompleteness of vaccination or low uptake rate is due to low awareness of the importance of vaccines, forgetfulness, poor counselling, and health education from the healthcare providers. Mobile phone messaging reminder was one of the most studied interventions to overcome these problems in the last decade due to increasing usage of mobile phones in daily living activities. Therefore the aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging intervention on vaccination programmes of preventable diseases worldwide. Methods. A systematic literature search of randomised controlled trials on Cochrane database that were published for the past 10 years was done; in which 10 articles were selected for critical appraisal and qualitative synthesis. Out of the 10 articles, 9 articles were selected and proceeded with meta-analysis based on GRADE risk of bias assessment. Results. The overall vaccination coverage of mobile phone messaging in the intervention group was higher than the control group [61,586 (47.7%) versus 61,571(45.7%)] with significant pooled vaccination prevalence difference (PD) of 0.02 (CI 0.01, 0.03). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled PD of childhood vaccination coverage was not significant although significant pooled PD of 0.03 (CI 0.01, 0.04) was detected in the influenza vaccination coverage. Conclusion. This review and meta-analysis have strengthened the evidence that mobile phone messaging is an effective intervention method to increase vaccination coverage, especially for influenza vaccination. However, its effect on childhood vaccination coverage was inconclusive and needed more high quality research. Key words: mobile phone messaging; vaccine preventable illnesses; meta analysis; influenza

Mobile-CEA - A Novel Surveillance Method for Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

ObjectiveThe follow-up of the increasing number of cancer survivors threatens to overload the health care system. While short message system (SMS)–based communication is widely used in other areas of the health care system, there are no studies of its appliance in cancer surveillance. The aim of the current study was to analyze the acceptability, convenience and impact of a novel mobile phone messaging -based system (Mobile-CEA) on health personnel contacts in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) during 2 years of follow-up.MethodsThe follow-up data of 52 curatively treated patients with CRC (22 Mobile-CEA-, 30 standard surveillance) was collected retrospectively from the electronic archives. Mobile-CEA patient satisfaction was measured by a tailored non-validated questionnaire. Health personnel satisfaction was assessed by personal interviews.ResultsMobile-CEA surveillance group had less health personnel contacts than the standard surveillance group: median 3 (min 0–max 7) vs 5 (min 4–max 7) and 77.2% of the Mobile-CEA group had less than 4 contacts (minimum with the standard surveillance) to health personnel. There were no recurrences in either group. Mobile-CEA patients were satisfied with this novel follow-up method. Health personnel considered it as a practical and safe tool in CRC surveillance.ConclusionMobile-CEA surveillance seems to be a promising and effective follow-up method for curatively treated patients with CRC. Further studies and experiences are needed.

Keep it Simple: A Field Experiment on Information Sharing Among Strangers

SMS information campaigns are increasingly used for policy. We conduct a field experiment to study information sharing through mobile phone messages. Subjects are rural households in Mozambique who have access to mobile money. In the baseline intervention, subjects receive an SMS containing simple instructions on how to redeem a voucher for mobile money. They can share this non-rival information with other exogenously assigned subjects unknown to them. We find that few participants redeem the voucher. They nonetheless share it with others and many share information about the voucher they do not use themselves. Information is shared more when communication is anonymous and we find no evidence of more sharing with subjects who have similar characteristics. We introduce treatments to increase the cost of sending a message, shame those who do not send the voucher to others, or allow subjects to appropriate the value of information. All these treatments decrease information sharing. To encourage information diffusion among strangers, the best is to 'keep it simple'.

Brazilian phonoaudiology telepractice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: to analyze the use of digital resources by Brazilian phonoaudiologists before and during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: cross-sectional study carried out with a representative sample of Brazilian phonoaudiologists, with at least one year of practical experience. An online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions divided into eight sections was prepared. Data were analyzed and are reported as absolute and relative frequency regarding the variables: respondent’s age, highest degree and years of experience; weekly working hours; region of the country; type of service and area of expertise; use of digital means before and during the pandemic and willingness to use the same kind of resource after the pandemic. Results: telehealth technologies were used by 90% of phonoaudiologists in Brazil since before the COVID-19 pandemic. A change in the profile of technologies used was observed: after the pandemic, videoconferences gained more use in contact with patients compared to the pre-pandemic period even though contact via mobile phone and instant messaging applications are the most used, both before and during the pandemic. Conclusion: the study's findings demonstrate that 90% of phonoaudiologists who answered the questionnaire in Brazil used and still make use of telehealth technologies to contact patients.

Analysis of News Dissemination Path and Impact of Big Data Technology in Public Health Emergencies.

Throughout the past public health early warning work, there is still a lack of early warning. Therefore, starting from the reform of the public health early warning mechanism, this paper sorts out the design and development of our country's public health early warning mechanism and its legal framework and further analyzes the unresolved problems that exist in early warning work. At this stage, our country's public health departments have put forward targeted suggestions for improving the early warning mechanism for emergencies and stabilizing public order. In this context, the following data are obtained: (1) The timeliness under the big data model is 73.81%, the prudence is 84.25%, the sustainability is 96.28%; the timeliness under the data mining model is 61.98%, prudence is 77.58%, sustainability is 83.24%; and the timeliness of the intelligent computing model is 53.44%, prudence is 65.58%, and sustainability is 96.28%. (2) During public health emergencies, the path of news dissemination includes 54 people for radio and television communication, accounting for 13%; 98 people for digital communication, accounting for 24%; 73 people for digital TV communication, accounting for 19%; the number of public relations companies was 63 people, accounting for 16%; the number of people who reprinted and spread was 52 people, accounting for 12%; the number of people who searched and spread was 73 people, accounting for 19%; the number of people who spread mobile phone messages was 32 people, accounting for 9%. At this stage, according to the characteristics of public health emergencies, the problems existing in the early warning work are analyzed, and specific suggestions for improving the early warning mechanism of public health emergencies in our country are put forward to stabilize the “public order.” Research in this area is ongoing.

The Effect of House Dust Allergy on the Effectiveness of Allergenic Foods Elimination

Food allergy is a primary cause of early manifestations of atopic disease. House dust mites are the main aeroallergens that underlie allergic manifestations. Both of them play a role in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases and cause an impact on the family’s economy and health costs. This study was a consecutive sampling retrospective cohort with house dust allergy as an independent variable; food allergy with and without dust allergy with allergenic food elimination, sign &amp; symptom score, medication score, combination sign &amp; medication score, visit fee outpatient care, inpatient costs, and total medical expenses as the dependent variable. Data were collected using secondary data from medical records or patient reports via mobile phone messaging applications every month. We averaged data at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the patients were diagnosed with food allergies and undergoing a food elimination diet. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of &lt;0.05. We can conclude that house dust allergy influences allergenic food elimination diet effectiveness (p=0.001).

Polymedia repertoires of networked individuals

AbstractThis article introduces the concept of thepolymedia repertoireto explore how social meaning is indexed through the interplay of communicative resources at different levels of expression (from choice of media to individual signs) in digitally mediated interactions. The multi-layered polymedia repertoire highlights how people move fluidly between media platforms, semiotic modes and linguistic resources in the course of their everyday interactions, and enables us to locate digital communications within individuals’ wider practices. The potential of our theoretical contribution is illustrated through analysis of mobile phone messaging between participants in a large multi-sited ethnography of the communicative practices of multilingual migrants working in linguistically diverse UK city neighbourhoods. Our analysis of mobile messaging exchanges in aday-in-the-lifeof these networked individuals reveals the importance ofdevice attentionin shaping interpersonal interactions, as well as the complex ways in which choices at different levels of a polymedia repertoire are structured by social relationships, communicative purpose and (dis)identification processes.

How location-based messages influence customers' store visit attitudes: an integrative model of message value

PurposeThis study aims to develop an understanding of how customers of a physical retail store valuate receiving location-based mobile phone messages when they are in proximity of the store. It proposes and tests a model relating two benefits (personalization and location congruency) and two sacrifices (privacy concern and intrusiveness) to message value perceptions and store visit attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a vignette-based survey to collect data from a sample of 1,225 customers of a fashion retailer. The postulated research model is estimated using SmartPLS 3.0 with the consistent-PLS algorithm and further validated via a post-hoc test.FindingsThe empirical testing confirms the predictive validity and robustness of the model and reveals that location congruency and intrusiveness are the location-based message characteristics with the strongest effects on message value and store visit attitude.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the underexplored field of store entry research and extends previous location-based messaging studies by integrating personalization, location congruency, privacy concern and intrusiveness into one validated model.

A Psycholgical Intervention Delivered by Automated Mobile Phone Messaging Stabilized Hip and Knee Function During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundWe conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) delivered via a mobile phone messaging robot to patients who had their total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty procedures postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsNinety patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty who experienced surgical delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic were randomized to the ACT group, receiving 14 days of twice daily automated mobile phone messages, or the control group, who received no messages. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in preintervention and postintervention patient-reported outcome measures were utilized to evaluate the intervention.ResultsThirty-eight percent of ACT group participants improved and achieved MCID on the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System Physical Health compared to 17.5% in the control group (P = .038; number needed to treat [NNT] 5). For the joint-specific Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement and Knee Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), 24% of the ACT group achieved MCID compared to 2.5% in the control group (P = .004; NNT 5). An improvement in the KOOS JR was found in 29% of the ACT group compared to 4.2% in the control group (P = .028; NNT 5). Fourteen percent of the ACT group participants experienced a clinical important decline in the KOOS JR compared to 41.7% in the control group (P = .027; NNT 4).ConclusionA psychological intervention delivered via a text messaging robot improved physical function and prevented decline in patient-reported outcome measures in patients who experienced an unexpected surgical delay during the COVID-19 pandemic.Level of Evidence1.

Influence of a Survival Swimming Training Programme on Water Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Young Adults in Sri Lanka.

Drowning among young adults is high in Sri Lanka. Water safety education is a recommended strategy for drowning prevention but is often overlooked for young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted educational intervention, “Swim for Safety” on improving water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skills among undergraduates (19–28 years) in Sri Lanka. This study employed a parallel-group, two-arm randomized controlled trial design. The intervention group (n = 78) received a face-to-face, 12-lesson education programme, and the control group (n = 78) received a brochure and weekly mobile phone messages for six consecutive weeks. Baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up knowledge, attitudes and skills were evaluated. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and skills were evaluated following a skills assessment protocol. In total 116 participants, 60 intervention group and 56 control group, completed the study. At baseline there were no differences between groups in median scores of water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skills. The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant increases in median water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skill scores compared with the control group, following the intervention and maintained at three-month follow-up (p < 0.05). The adapted Swim for Safety programme significantly improved water safety knowledge, attitudes, and survival swimming skills among young adults in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is recommended that the SfS programme be implemented widely to prevent drowning in young adults.

Effect of mobile-phone messaging on patient and health-worker knowledge and adherence to the isoniazid preventive therapy guideline in HIV clinics in Southeast, Nigeria

BackgroundHIV-infected persons are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis and Isoniazid preventive therapy has been shown to reduce the occurrence of tuberculosis among this group of persons. M-health technology has been reported to increase both knowledge and implementation of various health services including Isoniazid preventive therapy implementation. This study aimed to determine the effect of m-health on health worker knowledge and adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) guidelines and on patient knowledge and adherence to isoniazid treatment.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study that was carried out in six health facilities in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. Three health facilities were assigned to each arm (intervention and control arms) and all eligible health workers (total population of 45 and 41 in intervention and control arms respectively) were recruited. Data were also collected from 200 patients (100 per arm). The intervention consisted of mobile phone messages and reminders for health workers on the IPT guideline. Chi-square test was carried out at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval.ResultsAt baseline, 54.5% and 63.4% of health workers in intervention and control arms respectively had good knowledge which improved significantly to 90.2% in the intervention arm after the intervention (χ2 = 14.22, p < 0.0001). At baseline, 61.4% and 90.2% of health workers had good adherence to the guideline in intervention and control arms respectively which also improved in the intervention arm by 28.8% after intervention although not significant(χ2 = 0.37, p = 0.54). More than 50% of the patients in both study arms had poor knowledge, with the intervention arm having a significantly higher proportion of respondents (68.0%) with poor knowledge at baseline (χ2 = 4.71, p = 0.03). The proportion of patients with good knowledge however increased significantly (88.8%) in the intervention arm after intervention (χ2 = 25.65, p < 0.001). Patients had good adherence to IPT in intervention and control arms before (100% and 84.2% respectively) and after (96.6% and 100% respectively) the study. There was no significant difference in adherence among patients in both arms.ConclusionsHealth worker knowledge and practice of guidelines as well as patient knowledge improved in the intervention arm in this study. These findings suggest the consideration for the inclusion of mobile phone reminders in the guideline for tuberculosis prevention among HIV patients.

"N.A.M.E." FUN! Emojis may illustrate structure-function relationships of neurotransmitters to health professions students.

This article provides a qualitative examination of student responses to an enjoyable online experience illustrating structure-function relationships of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the human nervous system via text messaging emojis (often employed during mobile phone messaging). The "N.A.M.E." (Neurotransmitters as Messaging Emojis) FUN! experience was presented to 216 undergraduate health professions students enrolled in a human physiology course during Spring 2020 (N = 117) and Spring 2021 (N = 99) semesters as a learning tool, during a time in which students struggled with the concepts of neurotransmitter function. Additional goals for this fun experience design are to 1) engage health professions students in the topics of chemical messengers in the nervous system, and provide 2) a learning tool for students enrolled in the human physiology courses and 3) a memorization online worksheet for select neurotransmitter function. Student participants were able to access the online neurotransmitter fun experience via mobile phone and/or laptop. Resulting analyses of the voluntary and anonymous survey highlight positive responses in both Spring 2020 and 2021 semesters to the online "N.A.M.E." experience and furthermore the recommendation of student participants to include this online experience in future lecture assignments for the Human Physiology course. Here, we examine several data sets (tables) as we review student choices for matching emojis to neurotransmitter function and qualitative responses on the efficacy of this online match-up fun as a learning tool in a human physiology course for health professions.

Learning from a diabetes mHealth intervention in rural Bangladesh: what worked, what did not and what next?

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need for population-based interventions to slow the growth of the diabetes epidemic in low-and middle-income countries. We tested the effectiveness of a population-based mHealth voice messaging intervention for T2DM prevention and control in rural Bangladesh through a cluster randomised controlled trial. mHealth improved knowledge and awareness about T2DM but there was no detectable effect on T2DM occurrence. We conducted mixed-methods research to understand this result. Exposure to messages was limited by technological faults, high frequency of mobile phone number changes, message fatigue and (mis)perceptions that messages were only for those who had T2DM. Persistent social norms, habits and desires made behaviour change challenging, and participants felt they would be more motivated by group discussions than mHealth messaging alone. Engagement with mHealth messages for T2DM prevention and control can be increased by (1) sending identifiable messages from a trusted source (2) using participatory design of mHealth messages to inform modelling of behaviours and increase relevance to the general population (3) enabling interactive messaging. mHealth messaging is likely to be most successful if implemented as part of a multi-sectoral, multi-component approach to address T2DM and non-communicable disease risk factors.

MEDIA LITERACY FOR DISSEMINATION ANTICIPATED FAKE NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Information technology nowadays results in spreading information rapidly. Everyone can easily produce information quickly through several social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or mobile phone messages, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. It is alarming if the information conveyed is inaccurate such as a hoax with a highly provocative title, leading the reader and recipient to obtain a negative opinion. For fighting hoaxes and preventing their negative impacts, the government has adequate legal protection named ITE Law. Apart from the legal product, the government also forms the National Cyber Institution. For example, in West Java, the government has formed West Java Clean Sweep Team (Saber) for Hoaxes, in charge of verifying information distribution in public. The team is built as proactive efforts of the West Java Provincial Government to secure the residents of West Java from disseminating fake news. This article examines how the West Java Saber Hoaxes Team carried out a strategy to minimize the dissemination of fake news (hoaxes) on social media. The research used descriptive studies through in-depth interviews on West Java Saber Hoaxes Team. The result of the research showed that strategies conducted by this team are monitoring, receiving complaints, and educating the public.

Clinical relevance of an intervention assessed by a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

ObjectivesMany meta-analyses usually omit the number needed to treat, or perform the calculation incorrectly, despite its importance in clinical decision-making. Accordingly, we will explain in an easily understandable way how to perform this procedure to assess the clinical relevance of the intervention. Study Design and SettingThe expressions of the Cochrane Library and the concepts of clinical relevance and evidence-based medicine were applied. Simple cutoff points were also established to facilitate the task of interpreting results. The method was applied to two published meta-analyses to illustrate its application to real cases (treatment nonadherence). ResultsIn the first example, with a risk in the control group ranging from 0.22 to 0.70, sending mobile phone messages to remind chronic patients to take their medication is clinically relevant with a high degree of evidence. For the second example (single-pill regimen in patients suffering from hypertension and/or dyslipidemia after 6 months), the range of the assumed control risk was between 0.28 and 0.57. ConclusionThe constructed algorithm could be applied to published meta-analyses or incorporated systematically in all meta-analyses with these characteristics.

Effect of m-health technology on knowledge and practice of the tuberculosis preventive therapy guideline among health workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Prophylaxis with isoniazid has been shown to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis in HIV infected persons. The study aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone based education and reminders on health worker knowledge and practice of tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) guidelines. Methods and materials: The study was carried out in six health facilities in Ebonyi state, and employed a quasi-experimental design without randomization. Three health facilities were assigned to intervention and control arms each. Simple random sampling was used to select the participating health facilities and all eligible health workers (45 and 41 in intervention and control arms respectively) who had worked in the HIV clinics for not less than six months were selected. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used for the survey. The intervention consisted of mobile phone messages and reminders on the tuberculosis preventive therapy guideline to the health workers. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 20. Chi square test was carried out and analytical decisions were taken at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the research and ethics committee of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Results: Mean age of the health workers was 40.43 ± 7.16 and 33.15 ± 8.56 in the intervention and control arms respectively. At baseline, majority of the health workers 54.5% and 63.4% in intervention and control arms respectively had high knowledge level. At post-intervention, significantly higher proportion of health workers in the intervention arm (90.2%) had high knowledge level (p < 0.0001). For practice of the TPT guideline, 61.4% and 90.2% of health workers had good practice in intervention and control arms respectively. At post-intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of respondents who had good practice within the intervention arm (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Mobile phone messaging has been shown in this study to be useful in improving knowledge and practice of tuberculosis preventive therapy guideline among health workers and should be considered for inclusion in the guideline and policy for prevention of tuberculosis among HIV patients.

Coverage and Acceptability of Mobile Phone Messages for Cancer Prevention: a Population-Based Study in a Latin American Country

Mobile health (m-health) has shown positive effects on disease prevention; however, several factors might influence its effectiveness, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Randomized trials provide data with high internal validity but no major information on population impact. We conducted a pilot population-based study to assess the feasibility of cancer prevention through m-health in a Latin American population. A sample of affiliates to a health insurance company in Colombia was randomly selected and assigned to receive a short message service (SMS) or voice messages (VMS) during 4 weeks; weekly frequencies 2 and 7. Baseline and post-intervention surveys were conducted. Overall, 797 affiliates were contacted (SMS 393, VMS 404) but only 15.3% and 24.8% enrolled, respectively. Over 80% acceptability was observed among participants for all items evaluated (usefulness, understandability, timing, and frequency); however, 2-VMS per week was the only frequency consistent with the declared number of messages received and listened. Other frequencies resulted in high reception recall but low willingness to read/listen the messages. The willingness to be part of future programs was 20.0%. The gap between declared acceptability and practice, low participation rates, and low willingness to read/listen messages indicate m-health should be part of multicomponent interventions and should not be conceived as the sole intervention.