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One-way SMS and healthcare outcomes in Africa: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Ditte S Linde
  • Malene Korsholm
  • Johnson Katanga
  • Vibeke Rasch
  • Andreas Lundh
  • Marianne S Andersen

Abstract

Background: The impact of one-way SMS on health outcomes in Africa is unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of one-way SMS randomised trials in Africa and a meta-analysis of their effect on healthcare appointments attendance and medicine adherence. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, The Global Health Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, and PACTR were searched for published and unpublished trials in Africa without language restriction (up to April 2018). Trials reporting effect estimates on healthcare appointment attendance and medicine adherence were assessed for risk of bias and included in meta-analyses using random-effects models. Other outcomes were reported descriptively. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO, ID:CRD42018081062. Results: We included 38 one-way SMS trials conducted in Africa within a broad range of clinical conditions. Eighteen trials were included in the meta-analyses, and four were assessed as overall low risk of bias. One-way SMS improved appointment attendance, OR:2·03; 95% CI:1·40–2·95 (12 trials, 6448 participants), but not medicine adherence, RR:1·10; 95% CI:0·98–1·23 (nine trials, 4213 participants). Subgroup analyses showed that one-way SMS had the highest impact on childhood immunization attendance, OR:3·69; 95% CI:1·67–8·13 (three trials, 1943 participants). There was no clear evidence of one-way SMS improving facility delivery, knowledge level (reproductive/antenatal health, hypertension), diabetes- and hypertension management. Conclusion: In an African setting, the clinical effect of one-way SMS is uncertain except for appointment attendance where the effect seems to vary depending on which clinical condition it is used in.

Suggested Citation

  • Ditte S Linde & Malene Korsholm & Johnson Katanga & Vibeke Rasch & Andreas Lundh & Marianne S Andersen, 2019. "One-way SMS and healthcare outcomes in Africa: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0217485
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Julia R G Raifman & Heather E Lanthorn & Slawa Rokicki & Günther Fink, 2014. "The Impact of Text Message Reminders on Adherence to Antimalarial Treatment in Northern Ghana: A Randomized Trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(10), pages 1-10, October.
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    1. Emilie S Ødegård & Lena S Langbråten & Andreas Lundh & Ditte S Linde, 2022. "Two-way text message interventions and healthcare outcomes in Africa: Systematic review of randomized trials with meta-analyses on appointment attendance and medicine adherence," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(4), pages 1-20, April.

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