Title:Acceptability and Usability of Mobile Health Application for Enhancing Treatment Adherence in Latent TB Patients
Volume: 5
Author(s): Rohitashwa Kumar, Manmohan Singhal*, Abhijeet P. Sinha and KM Monirul Islam
Affiliation:
- School of Pharmaceutical & Populations Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehradun 248009, India
Keywords:
Latent TB Infection, Mobile application, M-health application, Digital platform, Treatment adherence, Tuberculosis (TB), Therapy.
Abstract:
Background:
Mobile health interventions showcase effectiveness for improving treatment adherence among Latent TB Infection (LTBI) patients. However, there
is a paucity of evidence regarding their acceptability and usability. This study aimed to assess the initial acceptability and usability of a mobile
health application that has been designed to ensure treatment adherence in LTBI patients.
Methods:
A descriptive study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usability of a mobile health application, “My Treatment Friend”. A total of 82
LTBI patients were selected, and access to the application was given to them. This application provides support to LTBI patients in reporting daily
medication and side effects. The basic demographic characteristics of the participants were collected through a Google form-based questionnaire.
The acceptability and usability of the application were assessed using the likert scale questionnaire and SUS tool, with samples of n=44 and n=20
participants, respectively.
Results:
LTBI patients found the mobile application acceptable and feasible, with an SUS score of 73, which comes under Grade B as per the SUS score
sheet. The majority believed that the app was very simple to use and easy to understand. However, there is a requirement to add more features that
can enhance the acceptability and usability of the application.
Conclusion:
The study showed the importance and usefulness of mobile applications to assist LTBI patients in finishing their prescribed treatment courses of
action. Additionally, it highlights how crucial it is to build future applications using user-centered design. User-centered design may play an
important role in designing mobile applications and ensuring effective engagement and satisfaction among users.
