The accessibility and utilization of mobile phones among TB patients: a feasibility survey for Short Messaging Service (SMS) as a strategy to improve adherence to TB services.
Abstract
The objective of this studyy was to estimate the proportion of TB patients who have access to mobile phones and to describe mobile phone utilization practices of TB patients. Six public and six private TB clinics representing the four districts of Metro Manila and one institution in Cavite were purposively selected for this cross-sectional survey conducted in 2006. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, patients suspected to have TB, those newly diagnosed and those currently on treatment under either DOTS or non-DOTS were interviewed. The authors present the following conclusion. Considering the fair access (65%) to mobile phones of the patients interviewed, it is feasible to conduct a pilot intervention using SMS as a strategy to improve adherence to treatment. The intervention should consider that majority use prepaid subscriptions and that sharing of phones among household members is a common practice
Citation
Acta Medica Philippina, 2009, 43, (4), pp.10-14