P018 IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR SMS REMINDERS TO IMPROVE ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN BANGLADESH AND ETHIOPIA: A QUALITATIVE EVALUATION

Abstract

Background. Poor medication adherence remains a significant barrier to hypertension control, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objective. To qualitatively explore the feasibility and acceptability of SMS reminders to support antihypertensive medication adherence and identify local nuances of barriers, facilitators, and implementation considerations in resource-limited settings.

Methods. Patients with hypertension and providers in primary care clinics in Ethiopia and Bangladesh were interviewed to assess perceptions and experiences with SMS reminders. Interviews were transcribed and translated, an inductive codebook was developed, thematic content analysis was used to identify key implementation considerations. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs of innovation, outer, inner settings, individual-level factors were used to synthesize findings.

Results. Fifty patients (mean age 53.1±13.1 years, 28(56%) female, 28(56%) from Ethiopia) and 50 providers (mean age 32±7.5 years, 24(48%) female, 27(54%) from Ethiopia) were interviewed. Facilitators included the perceived value of SMS reminders for adherence (patients) and improved patient-provider communication (providers). Patients and providers generally viewed SMS reminders as valuable for supporting adherence (innovation). However, concerns were raised about the timing of message delivery and the potential for missed messages. Unreliable network infrastructure was identified as a potential barrier, particularly in rural areas (outer setting). The absence of electronic medical and pharmacy records in many clinics was a reported challenge for automating reminders; providers highlighted the need for dedicated IT support and staff (inner setting). Focusing on the highest-need patients was suggested as a practical approach to begin implementation. Patient's access to mobile phones, literacy levels, and receptiveness to reminders were key individual-level factors that could influence engagement with SMS reminders. Providers emphasized that reminders may not be effective for all patients (Table).

Conclusions. SMS reminders can potentially improve antihypertensive medication adherence in resource-limited settings, but several implementation barriers need to be addressed. Tailoring SMS reminders to patient needs, strengthening infrastructure, and providing adequate IT and staff support are essential for successful implementation.