ArticleBMC health services research2024
Clients' and providers' perspectives in informing a digital health intervention to improve linkage to care after Index HIV self-testing in Hai and Moshi Districts, Tanzania.
Article in BMC health services research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Barriers associated with the implementation, adoption, scale-up and sustainability of mHealth in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review guided by the NASSS Framework.BMJ health & care informatics · 2026Pooled it
- Acceptability, Usability, and Clinical Appropriateness of an AI-Powered Tool for Linkage to HIV Services After HIV Self-Testing in South Africa: Mixed Methods Evaluation.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- 'Cost, man. Good quality stuff can get pricey', men's choices regarding HIV services in South Africa.African journal of primary health care & family medicine · 2026Article
- Beyond functional utility: ethical stewardship as a driver of digital healthcare platform adoption in low-resource settings.International journal for equity in health · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
20 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundDigital health interventions have the potential to improve linkage to care after HIV self-testing (HIVST). This study aimed to understand clients' and providers' perceptions of benefits, and barriers of a digital health intervention designed to improve linkage to care after HIV self-testing in Tanzania.
methodsThis exploratory qualitative research study was conducted in Hai and Moshi, districts in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Four health facilities were selected based on their involvement in an HIVST pilot program implemented by Elizabeth Glassier Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) Tanzania through the USAID funded program. The study included female index clients and their partners, and healthcare providers at the healthcare facilities. We used a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions for data collection. Data collection was conducted from 16th January 2023 to 3rd February 2023. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), and results were developed in collaboration with the community partners.
resultsA total of 42 participants were included in the study, comprising 9 male clients, 17 female index clients, and 16 health care workers (HCWs) (4 male and 12 female) who were involved in delivering HIVST services. The study's findings revealed mixed feelings about the use of a digital health intervention. Majority of participants perceived digital health as a valuable intervention for enhancing linkage to care, improved health outcomes, improved communication with healthcare workers, and increased privacy. Therefore, they supported scale-up of a digital health intervention. Participants also expressed that the potential benefits of a digital health intervention include the convenience of accessing healthcare services from the comfort of their homes or any location. However, a few participants expressed concerns about potential risks associated with sending health-related text messages. They feared that recipients might not be in a safe space, leading to stigma and avoidance of engagement. A few female participants expressed concerns about confidentiality breaches, particularly regarding shared phones with family or friends. Fear of being judged or misunderstood by others could deter them from reading or acting upon these messages. Most participants recommended tailored strategies that prioritize confidentiality and trust. Recognizing these psychological aspects is vital for customizing digital health interventions to effectively address participants' concerns.
conclusionsDigital health interventions may improve the linkage of HIV self-testers to care. Recommendations include personalized and culturally relevant communication and technical accessibility to make interventions effective and inclusive. This study provides valuable insights for designing patient-centered interventions for HIV care and treatment.
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