A mixed methods evaluation of 99DOTS digital adherence technology uptake among adolescents treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents and young adults are at risk of poor adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment and subsequently worse TB treatment outcomes. Digital adherence technologies, including the mobile phone-based 99DOTS platform, can support TB treatment, but there is limited data on their use among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors associated with the uptake of 99DOTS among adolescents with TB.

METHODS

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study that utilized quantitative data from adolescents collected during the scale-up of 99DOTS at 30 health facilities in Uganda, and qualitative in-depth and key informant interviews with a subset of adolescents with pulmonary TB offered 99DOTS and healthcare providers at participating facilities. Findings were further mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model.

RESULTS

Overall, 299/410 (73%) eligible adolescents were enrolled in 99DOTS. Older adolescents 15 to 19 years old were more likely to enroll in 99DOTS than younger adolescents 10 to 14 years [aPR= 0.56, 95% CI: (0.42-0.73)]. Conversely, adolescents treated at Health Center IV and General Hospitals were less likely to be enrolled compared to Health Center III (aPR= 0.8, 95% CI, 0.67-0.94, and aPR=0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.85, respectively). Technological savviness among older adolescents, access to training, caregiver or treatment supporter involvement, and desire for wellness facilitated the uptake of 99DOTS. In contrast, variable mobile phone access, concerns about TB status disclosure, and health worker workload in hospitals were barriers to the uptake of 99DOTS.

CONCLUSION

99DOTS uptake was high among adolescents with TB. Increased access to mobile phones, health worker training on adolescent communication, and more involvement of caregivers could facilitate greater use of 99DOTS and similar technologies.