2023 IAS Conference on HIV Science: Remind me, track my mood and I will adhere to treatment
Abstract (Poster Presentation)
Background
The KidzAlive@Home app aims to improve adherence among children and adolescents living with HIV (C/ALHIV) using a mHealth approach. The app targets children and adolescents who are newly diagnosed, on treatment, and/or non-adherent, and features reminders for medication and mood tracking. Caregivers can access a daily report of the child's progress. This mHealth intervention addresses forgetfulness and limited knowledge to improve health outcomes for C/ALHIV.
Period:
July 2020 to present
Setting/Location:
Households in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Structure:
Ideation and App design for promoting adherence at home for C/ALHIV using their primary caregiver's (PCGs) smartphones.
Activities:
Focus group sessions were conducted with PCGs and healthcare workers (HCWs) to gather relevant data on self-management barriers.
Design of app prototype with wireframes and high-fidelity designs tested and feedback-informed API and data dashboard development.
User Acceptance Testing with 12 participants for feedback before beta testing.
Beta testing the minimum viable product with 50 households for 12 weeks.
Lessons Learned:
Limited focus on promoting adherence among C/ALHIV in existing mHealth apps.
Need for developmentally appropriate mHealth interventions.
Lack of mHealth examples to benchmark for this population.
Best Practices:
Evidence-based design and evaluations critical in mHealth app development.
Core development must include key stakeholders (children, PCGs, HCWs).
KidzAlive@Home app demonstrates that incorporating child-centred and interactive features can promote adherence; therefore improving outcomes.
Conclusion
The KidzAlive@Home app is a cutting-edge solution that tackles the crucial challenge of adherence among C/ALHIV. The app utilises a child-centred, psychosocial approach, leveraging technology to empower C/ALHIV to take control of their own health. It addresses the need for a bridge between the clinic and home, providing appropriate reminders, tracking emotional well-being, and physical health, and promoting overall health outcomes. The app highlights the significance of designing mHealth interventions that are developmentally appropriate and based on evidence, leading to improved adherence and health outcomes for children and adolescents. The fun interactive features of the app empower children and adolescents to play an active role in their health and has the potential to improve the quality of life for this population. "Remind me, track my mood and I will adhere to treatment."