Using GPS and PDAs to Help Find TB Patients' Homes
Author Information
Author(s): Barry Dwolatzky, Estelle Trengove, Helen Struthers, James A McIntyre, Neil A Martinson
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Hypothesis
Can a handheld device linked to GPS improve the tracing of tuberculosis patients who interrupt treatment?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that a PDA/GPS device can effectively locate the homes of tuberculosis patients, especially in densely populated areas.
Supporting Evidence
- Nine out of ten participants in Wheillers Farm could locate their homes using aerial photographs.
- Using the PDA/GPS device reduced the time taken to locate homes by 20% in Wheillers Farm and 50% in Alexandra.
- Lay volunteers with minimal training successfully used the PDA/GPS device to locate homes.
Takeaway
This study shows that using a special device can help find where people with tuberculosis live, making it easier to help them get their medicine.
Methodology
Participants were asked to locate their homes using aerial photographs and a PDA/GPS device, and the time taken to find homes was compared.
Potential Biases
The study may be biased as the research assistant was unfamiliar with the community, potentially affecting the efficiency of locating homes.
Limitations
The sample size was small and communities were not randomly selected, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adult attendees at clinics in two communities in Greater Johannesburg, South Africa.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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