Improving medication adherence in stroke patients through Short Text Messages (SMS4Stroke)-study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0413-2
• Publication Date: 2015-08-26T23:30:52Z
• Authors: Ayeesha Kamran Kamal; Quratulain Nauman...; Omrana Pasha; Iqbal Azam; Muhammad Islam; Adeel Ali Memon; Hasan Rehman; Muhammad Affan; Sumaira Nazir; Salman Aziz; Muhammad Jan; Anita Andani; Abdul Muqeet; Bilal Ahmed; Shariq Khoja
• Keywords: Stroke; Short Message Service

Abstract Background Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low middle income countries. Medical management the mainstay therapy to prevent recurrence stroke. Current estimates are that only 1 6 patients have perfect adherence medication schedules. Using SMS (Short Messaging Service) as reminders take medicines been used previously for diseases such diabetes HIV with moderate success. We aim explore effectiveness acceptability increasing medications Methods This will be randomized, controlled, assessor blinded single center superiority trial. Adult participants access cell phone history stroke longer than month on multiple risk modifying selected from Neurology Clinic. They randomized into two parallel groups 1:1 ratio via block technique one group receiving standard care per institutional guidelines while each dose medicine addition care. In intervention receive messages lifestyle changes, information, factors motivation adherence. These bemodeled Social Cognitive Theory Health Belief Model categorized by Michies Taxonomy Behavioral Change Communication. Patient compliance measured at baseline then after 2 months using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The change regimen difference between determine tool increase compliance. determined designed this study whose attributes based Rogers Diffusion innovation theory. A sample size 86 arm sufficient detect point MMAS power 90 % significance level 5 groups; an attrition rate 15 %, 200 all randomized. Discussion Study provide evidence feasibility improving post LMIC setting. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01986023 11 /11/2013