Using mobile technology to conduct epidemiological investigations

Neto, Onicio Batista Leal; Loyo, Rodrigo Moraes; Albuquerque, Jones; Perazzo, Juliana; Barbosa, Verônica Santos; Barbosa, Constança Simões

doi:10.1590/0037-8682-0181-2014

Cited by 15 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…They benefit epidemiological studies by online storage of data in real time. [ 14 15 16 ] Android-based tablets and mobile system used in some Indian studies have shown preference by research assistants because of its simple training, quick data submission, and also this technology is feasible in rural parts of India. [ 17 18 ] This study used simple technology of GPS-enabled tablet computers, which shortened the time for data collection and analyses and provided results within a week.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compliance of specific provisions of tobacco control law around educational institutions in Delhi, India

2017

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Background:Tobacco use is leading preventable cause of premature deaths. Sales of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions (EIs) in India are restricted under Section 6 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. This study accessed compliance of Section 6 of COTPA around EIs in Delhi.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected 100 EIs from 6600 schools/colleges in Delhi. Activities related to Section 6 of COTPA around EIs, such as the sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards, sale of tobacco products to and by minors, and existence of display boards prohibiting sale of tobacco products were observed using Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled tablet computers preloaded with maps and Open Data Kit software. Data analysis was done using Epi Info version 7.Results:Among the 100 EIs surveyed (53 government, 47 private), tobacco products were sold at 43 outlets within a radius of 100 yards of 27 EIs. No outlet had a display board prohibiting sale of tobacco products to minors. One outlet sold tobacco products to minors during the period of observation, but sale of tobacco products by minors was not observed. Only 38% of EIs displayed board prohibiting tobacco sales; private EIs were significantly less likely to display signs prohibiting tobacco sales than government EIs (45% vs. 81%; P < 0.001).Conclusions:Sale of tobacco products is common around EIs in Delhi. The use of simple technology provided quick results to policy-makers. Similar periodic surveys should help regulatory agencies to strictly enforce provisions of COTPA.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compliance of specific provisions of tobacco control law around educational institutions in Delhi, India

2017

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“…using iPads or tablets) and had no objection against the application of such tools for data collection or storage. Over the past decade, using electronic devices to collect data has become very popular in many epidemiological (75,76) and clinical studies (77). Applying electronic devices have been shown to improve the quality of data, make staff training easier and more effective, and reduce the timelag between data collection, data entry and analysis and use of data (78).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: A community consultation in Iran

Mirzazadeh

Hooshyar²,

Shahesmaeili

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Abstract Background: The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods: Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results: In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 31-40), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID. Conclusions: Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.

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“…using iPads or Tablets) and had no objection to apply such tools for data collection or storage. Over the past decade, using electronic devices to collect data has become very popular in many epidemiological (73,74) and clinical studies (75). Applying electronic devices have been shown to improve the quality of data, make staff training easier and more effective, and reduce the time-lag between data collection, data entry and analysis and use of data (76).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs; A community consultation in Iran

Mirzazadeh

Hooshyar²,

Shahesmaeili

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods Using targeted sampling, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 35.4 years (SD 7.6), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID.Conclusions Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.

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Using mobile technology to conduct epidemiological investigations

Cited by 15 publications

References 8 publications

Compliance of specific provisions of tobacco control law around educational institutions in Delhi, India

Compliance of specific provisions of tobacco control law around educational institutions in Delhi, India

Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: A community consultation in Iran

Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs; A community consultation in Iran

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