Abstract
In Morocco, there are challenges in the management of high-risk tuberculosis (TB) patients, including paper-based management and a shortage of healthcare workers related to TB. Additionally, TB management has not been accounted for in various patient types, which affects treatment adherence. This study aims to examine the delivery model of TB management and the outcomes of an integrated patient management system that uses a patient-centered and community-based approach, along with mobile health technology. A total of 3605 TB patients were enrolled in this program in Morocco’s five prefectures (Rabat, Salé, Kénitra, Khemisset, Skhirat–Témara) from January 2018 to December 2019. Patients were managed based on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, areas (rural or urban), health literacy levels, and distance to primary health centers. Our mobile health intervention “smart pillbox” was interposed with high-risk TB patients, along with patient education. The rate of successful treatment was 92.2%, which was higher than the national rate (88%). The “lost to follow-up” rate was 4.1%, which was significantly lower than the existing non-adherence rate of 7.9%. Therefore, integrated patient management for TB patients in Morocco is more effective than the existing conventional programs. This comprehensive approach provides an alternative method for countries with limited resources.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 9991 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Oct 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Funding: This research was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as a project of Capacity Upgrades on Reaching Elimination of Tuberculosis with mHealth in the RSK region (grant number: 2018-031) and the KOICA as another project of Performance Management for Public-private Cooperation Program at Health and Other Sectors (grant number: P2018-00067-1).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Keywords
- Community-based treatment
- Lost to follow-up rate
- Mobile health
- Morocco
- Program development
- Success rate
- Tuberculosis