Vulnerabilities in mHealth implementation: a Ugandan HIV/AIDS SMS campaign.
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Date
2013-04-03
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Abstract
HIV prevalence in Uganda has leveled off however trends indicate that incidence is on the rise and disproportionately affects certain vulnerable groups such as women There is growing support for using mobile health mHealth programs to reach vulnerable populations Using the Extended Technology Community Management model for mHealth we examined a text message campaign in Arua Uganda that disseminated and measured HIV AIDS knowledge and promoted HIV AIDS testing at clinics Empirical data from this campaign illustrated that mHealth campaigns need to address socio cultural informational economic and individual vulnerabilities We found for example that the interactive SMS quiz design motivated recipients with the correct HIV AIDS knowledge to respond and thus become eligible for free HIV screening In doing so however the more vulnerable sections of the population such as those with incorrect knowledge were further put at risk We discuss the programmatic implications and provide strategic recommendations for campaign focus particularly to reach young women
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At risk for a particular disease or infection, Client, Access to information or data, Acceptability, Addressing individual beliefs and practices, Demand for services, Functionality, Infectious, parasitic and vector-borne disease, HIV/AIDS, Preventive, Health education or promotion, Mass messaging campaigns, Disease prevention, SMS, Text