Authors:
Jacqueline Pienaar, Sarah Day, Geoffrey Setswe, Beatrice Wasunna, Vuyolwethu Ncube, Felex Ndebele, Femi Oni, Evelyn Waweru, Calsile Khumalo, Hannock Tweya, Kenneth Sherr, Yanfang Su, and Caryl Feldacker
University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.
✪ Open Access
Published: August 2023
Read the full text in the open access journal Digital Health
Abstract:
Background
Voluntary medical male circumcision (MC) is a biomedical HIV prevention method that requires post-operative follow-up for healing confirmation. Recent research found that a two-way texting (2wT) app providing SMS-based telehealth for MC patients was safe and reduced provider workload. We evaluated 2wT usability among MC clients in South Africa assigned the 2wT intervention within a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 2wT safety and workload.
Methods
This quantitative usability study is within an RCT where 547 men used 2wT to interact with an MC provider via SMS. The sub-study involved the first 100 men assigned to 2wT who completed a usability survey 14 days after surgery. Acceptability was assessed through 2wT response rates of the 547 men. Regression models analyzed associations between age, wage, location, potential adverse events (AEs), and 2wT responses.
Results
Men assigned to 2wT found it safe, comfortable, and convenient, reporting time and cost savings. High response rates (88%) to daily messages indicated acceptability. Age, wage, and location didn't affect text responses or potential AEs.
Conclusion
2wT for post-MC follow-up was highly usable and acceptable, suggesting its viability as an alternative to in-person visits. It enhanced confidence in wound self-management. This SMS-based telehealth can enhance MC care quality and be adapted to similar contexts for independent healing support, particularly for men.
**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**