Abstract
Integration of mobile phone technology into HIV care holds potential, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Clinic attendees in urban and rural South India were surveyed to ascertain usage of mobile phones and perceptions of their use as an adherence aid. Mobile phone ownership was high at 73%; 26% reported shared ownership. A high proportion (66%) reported using phones to call their healthcare provider. There was interest in weekly telephonic automated voice reminders to facilitate adherence. Loss of privacy was not considered a deterrent. The study presents important considerations in the design of a mobile phone-based adherence intervention in India.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the European Union Framework Program 7 Grant for supporting this study. The authors are grateful to Drs. Dhinagaran and Ugargol for assistance with images, Dr. Kumarasamy from YRGCare Chennai, Dr. Preethi Harrison and other staff from Snehadaan Camillian Community Care Centre for conceptual and logistic support.
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Shet, A., Arumugam, K., Rodrigues, R. et al. Designing a Mobile Phone-Based Intervention to Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in South India. AIDS Behav 14, 716–720 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9658-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9658-3