Digital health · 2026
Prior use and comfort using WhatsApp for health communication among people living with HIV in urban Panama: A cross-sectional study.
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Gabster Amanda, Meng Zhuo, Sabuncu Beren Crim, Hightow-Weidman Lisa B, Chávez Sáenz Carlos, Bejarano Dixennia, Xavier Hall Casey D, Cabezas Talavero Gonzalo, Araúz Ana Belén, Tejada Venus, Solís Nandin, Delgado Barbara, Ibragimov Umed, Yigit Ibrahim, Wong Frank Frankie Y, Tratner Adam E, Payton Isaac K, De La Vega-Taboada Eduardo, Flores Millender Eugenia
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: Digital tools, including WhatsApp, are widely used across Panama. These tools may serve as mobile health (mHealth) interventions to maintain patient contact, especially among individuals who have difficulty attending appointments. However, prior use and comfort with WhatsApp-based health communication among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) have not been previously examined in Panama.
METHODS: During August-October 2024, this cross-sectional study recruited participants from two urban antiretroviral (ART) clinics and three community-based organizations in and near Panama City and Colón. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on prior use and comfort with WhatsApp-based communication with providers and for receiving health information. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression described associations with sociodemographic, HIV care engagement, substance use, and psychosocial factors.
RESULTS: Among 277 participants (median age 37 years, interquartile range 28-45 years), 33.6% had communicated with providers and 47.7% received health information via WhatsApp. Over 80% reported comfort using WhatsApp with a provider and for receiving health information. Discrimination was associated with prior provider communication (AOR=2.129, 90%CI:1.12-4.047) and comfort (AOR=2.324, 90%CI:1.202-4.492). Missed appointments were associated with lower odds of provider communication (AOR=0.567, 90%CI:0.311-1.034). Recent drug use was associated with having received health information (AOR=2.16, 90%CI:1.054-4.465); not yet engaging in care was associated with lower odds of prior use (AOR=0.374, 90%CI:0.145-0.963).
CONCLUSIONS: Prior use of WhatsApp for health communication was modest, but comfort was high. Associations with discrimination, drug use, and retention in care may indicate that WhatsApp could be relevant for individuals experiencing psychosocial and behavioural vulnerabilities.
METHODS: During August-October 2024, this cross-sectional study recruited participants from two urban antiretroviral (ART) clinics and three community-based organizations in and near Panama City and Colón. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on prior use and comfort with WhatsApp-based communication with providers and for receiving health information. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression described associations with sociodemographic, HIV care engagement, substance use, and psychosocial factors.
RESULTS: Among 277 participants (median age 37 years, interquartile range 28-45 years), 33.6% had communicated with providers and 47.7% received health information via WhatsApp. Over 80% reported comfort using WhatsApp with a provider and for receiving health information. Discrimination was associated with prior provider communication (AOR=2.129, 90%CI:1.12-4.047) and comfort (AOR=2.324, 90%CI:1.202-4.492). Missed appointments were associated with lower odds of provider communication (AOR=0.567, 90%CI:0.311-1.034). Recent drug use was associated with having received health information (AOR=2.16, 90%CI:1.054-4.465); not yet engaging in care was associated with lower odds of prior use (AOR=0.374, 90%CI:0.145-0.963).
CONCLUSIONS: Prior use of WhatsApp for health communication was modest, but comfort was high. Associations with discrimination, drug use, and retention in care may indicate that WhatsApp could be relevant for individuals experiencing psychosocial and behavioural vulnerabilities.