Effectiveness of Short Message Service Support on Adherence to Chemotherapy Treatment among Patients Attending Cancer Treatment Facilities in Kenya
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Date
2024-03
Authors
Mchidi, Nebert Kiguhe
Oyore, John P.
Ogweno, Gordon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer is a chronic debilitating disease that unnerves patients,
communities, and nations. At some point in cancer patient’s disease experience, chemotherapy is used, and the patient is expected to adhere to treatment to improve survival and quality of life. Methods: This multisite Cluster
Randomized Trial (CRT) evaluated the effectiveness of mobile phone Short
Message Service (SMS) support on the adherence to treatment schedules
among adult cancer patients in Kenya. Data was collected using questionnaires. Ethical approvals were obtained from relevant Ethical Review Boards
(ERBs). Results: The mean adherence was 83%. There was a significant difference between treatment arms in relation to the adherence. The intervention arm had a higher mean adherence difference, M = 3.913, 95% CI 2.632 -
5.193, t (402) = 6.006, p ≤ 0.001), with Cohen’s d = 0.60. Although not significant, (χ
2
dd = 0.151, df = 1, p = 2.064), more women were perfect adheres
than males. Perfect adherers were satisfied with SMS support (χ
2
dd = 7.620,
df = 1, p = 0.06), were in the intervention arm (χ
2
dd = 22.942, df = 1, p ≤
0.001), and had trust in the care provider (χ
2
dd = 10.591 p ≤ 0.001). SMS
support was not significant in the multivariate analysis but had an estimated
effect size of 0.958 (z = 1.424, p = 0.154, CI = 0.242 - 3.781), indicating that
mean adherence was slightly better in the presence of the intervention. Conclusions: SMS-support intervention has demonstrated superiority in influencing adherence. Further, health system-related factors have a significant influence on the adherence to chemotherapy treatment. Interventions to re-design
health systems that are responsive to unmet care needs of cancer patients
must be explored.
Description
Article
Keywords
Adherence, Cancer, Symptom Distress, Quality of Life, Medication Possession Ratio, Short Message Service, Survivorship
Citation
Mchidi, N. K., Oyore, J. P., & Ogweno, G. (2024). Effectiveness of Short Message Service Support on Adherence to Chemotherapy Treatment among Patients Attending Cancer Treatment Facilities in Kenya. Open Journal of Nursing, 14(3), 93-113.