A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study to Explore the Feasibility and Acceptability of SMS Reminders to Improve Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting among Adults on ART in Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are knowledge gaps on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of antiretroviral treatment. This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of short message service (SMS) to increase awareness about the importance of reporting ADRs among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania. Methods: In this pilot study, PLHIV consented to participate and received SMS asking about their health. Responses to messages generated a flow of follow-up questions through SMS that determined the presence of ADRs. Technical feasibility was calculated based on the percentage of SMS sent and delivered, and acceptability was based on SMS replies. We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with participants and healthcare workers to understand experiences and acceptability of the system. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, and quantitative data were summarized using descriptive analyses. Results: Ninety-two participants were recruited. Sixty-two (67.4%) were women. The mean age was 42 years (SD ± 12). Among the sent SMS, 100 (95.2%) were replied to. Themes identified through qualitative data were: high motivation to report ADR, well-understood SMS content, no concerns about unwanted disclosure, and network difficulties. Conclusion: The SMS system is a user-friendly intervention and highly accepted based on qualitative data among PLHIV in Tanzania.