Effects of small airtime rewards linked to unsolicited text messages on uptake of a tuberculosis self-screening app in South Africa: a randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The objective of this study was to test whether an airtime reward increased tuberculosis (TB) Check screening uptake. This served as a feasibility study for the planned Phase 2, which aimed to test behavioural messaging to boost take-up of TB testing among users who were advised to get tested by TB Check.

Design

The study was a randomised controlled trial with a parallel design.

Setting

This study assessed mHealth support to boost TB testing in high-burden Cape Town clinics.

Intervention

Patients aged 18 or above with a valid mobile phone number that had been added within the last 5 years were invited by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness through unsolicited text messages to screen for TB using TB Check.

Participants

Patients i

SUBMITTER: Rich K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12853474 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature