Improving treatment adherence for blood pressure lowering via mobile phone SMS-messages in South Africa: a qualitative evaluation of the SMS-text Adherence SuppoRt (StAR) trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effective use of proven treatments for high blood pressure, a preventable health risk, is challenging for many patients. Prompts via mobile phone SMS-text messaging may improve adherence to clinic visits and treatment, though more research is needed on impact and patient perceptions of such support interventions, especially in low-resource settings.

Method

An individually-randomised controlled trial in a primary care clinic in Cape Town (2012-14), tested the effect of an adherence support intervention delivered via SMS-texts, on blood pressure control and adherence to medication, for hypertensive patients. (

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02019823). We report on a qualitative evaluation that explored the trial participants' experiences and respons

SUBMITTER: Leon N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4490665 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature