Acceptability of short message service (SMS) as a tool for malaria treatment adherence in the Brazilian Amazon: a qualitative study

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Sheila Rodovalho, Ádila Liliane Barros Dias, Maria Paz Ade, Diego Macias Saint-Gerons, Jose Luis Castro, Andrea Beratarrechea, Felipe Leão Gomes Murta, Alicia Cacau Patrine dos Santos, Leonardo Lincoln Gomes Marques, Vanderson Souza Sampaio, Djane Clarys Baia-da-Silva, Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2023
• Subjects: Malaria; SMS; Medication adherence; Malaria treatment; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0616-2022; https://doaj.org/article/d3c3f288266a48faa0bb8901ce4a1874

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide, and patient adherence to prescribed antimalarials is essential for effective treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study, with in-depth telephone interviews, analyzed participants’ perceptions of short message service (SMS) in adherence to treatment. Results: Five thematic categories emerged: decreased forgetfulness, the novelty of the tool, easy-to-understand language, the impact of SMS messages during treatment, and suggestions for improvement and complaints. Conclusions: SMS could assist patients in adhering to prescribed antimalarials.