ABSTRACT

The use of mobile phone and factors influencing usage have least been explored in spite of its relevance in mHealth adoption. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study to evaluate the use of mobile phone alarm application, text messaging and voice call among HIV positive clients. We randomly selected 362 respondents who were 18–65 years and receive care from two health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and data analysed to describe and predict mobile phone use. SPSS version 20 was used to process data for analysis. Findings revealed respondent (n = 338, 93%) did not share their mobile phones. Voice call was predominantly used (n = 227, 63%) while text messaging and mobile alarm functions were sparingly used. Majority (n = 285, 78.9%) did not use the mobile phone application to support adherence. Age and employment predicted the use of mobile phone alarm (OR ± 1.56, p < 0.05), test messaging (OR ± 1.48, p < 0.05) and voice calls (OR ± 1.25, p < 0.05). We observed that younger age and employment influence the use of mobile phones. Voice calls are more acceptable because it is simple and easy to use. Knowledge and persuasion are fundamental to mobile phone literacy skills development and should be integrated in mHealth interventions.

摘要

移动电话的使用和影响使用的因素很少被探索，尽管它与移动医疗的采用相关。我们进行了一项描述性探索性研究，以评估 HIV 阳性客户中手机警报应用程序、短信和语音通话的使用情况。我们随机选择了 362 名 18-65 岁的受访者，他们在加纳阿克拉的两个卫生机构接受护理。进行问卷调查并分析数据以描述和预测手机使用情况。SPSS 20版用于处理数据以进行分析。调查结果显示，受访者 ( n  = 338, 93%) 没有分享他们的手机。主要使用语音通话（n  = 227, 63%），而很少使用短信和手机报警功能。多数 ( n = 285, 78.9%) 没有使用手机应用程序来支持依从性。年龄和就业预测使用手机警报（OR ± 1.56，p < 0.05）、测试消息（OR ± 1.48，p < 0.05）和语音通话（OR ± 1.25，p < 0.05）。我们观察到年轻化和就业会影响手机的使用。语音通话更容易接受，因为它简单易用。知识和说服力是移动电话扫盲技能发展的基础，应纳入移动医疗干预措施。