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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Jun;47(3):389-404.
doi: 10.1007/s10865-023-00446-2. Epub 2023 Dec 21.

Effects of a medication adherence app among medically underserved adults with chronic illness: a randomized controlled trial

Christa E Hartch  1   2 , Mary S Dietrich  3   4 , B Jeanette Lancaster  5 , Deonni P Stolldorf  3 , Shelagh A Mulvaney  3   6
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a medication adherence app among medically underserved adults with chronic illness: a randomized controlled trial

Christa E Hartch et al. J Behav Med. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

For individuals living with a chronic illness who require use of long-term medications, adherence is a vital aspect of successful symptom management and outcomes. This study investigated the effect of a smartphone app on adherence, self-efficacy, knowledge, and medication social support in a medically underserved adult population with various chronic illnesses. Participants were randomized to a group who used the app for one month or a control group provided with a printed medication list. Compared to the control group, participants receiving the intervention had significantly greater medication adherence (Cohen's d = -0.52, p = .014) and medication self-efficacy (Cohen's d = 0.43, p = .035). No significant effects were observed related to knowledge or social support. The findings suggest use of the app could positively impact chronic disease management in a medically underserved population in the United States.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05098743.

Keywords: Medically underserved populations; Medication adherence; Medication self-efficacy; Mobile phone applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

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Fig. 1
Flowchart of Study Participants
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