Abstract:

Objective: To analyse the influencing factors of the use of intelligent health management tools such as electronic pillbox and mobile WeChat among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and to provide experiences for the promotion of digital technology. Methods: With data from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and Easy Supervision System, we analyzed the acceptance and influencing factors of the use of intelligent health management tools among 8043 PTB patients in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 1 January to 31 December 2023. Results: The usage rate of intelligent health management tools among PTB patients was 87.91% (7071/8043) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2023. Univariable analysis revealed statistically significant differences in gender (χ²=4.827, P=0.028), occupation (χ²=12.823, P=0.012), demographic classification (χ²=5.471, P=0.019), diagnostic classification (χ²=8.803, P=0.032), and areas (χ²=376.284, P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male (OR=0.84, 95%CI: 0.72-0.97), domestic and unemployed (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.60-0.85), local patients (OR=0.43, 95%CI: 0.20-0.93), bacteriologically negative (OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99), central area (OR=0.15, 95%CI: 0.12-0.18) and eastern area (OR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.31-0.46) had a lower use of the intelligent health management tools, while the patients with tuberculosis pleurisy showed a higher use of the tools (OR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.06-2.28). Conclusion: The acceptance of intelligent health management tools for PTB patients was relatively high in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2023, however, attention should be paid to the health management for male patients, domestic and unemployed patients, local patients, bacteriologically negative patients, and patients from the central and eastern regions.

Key words: Tuberculosis, pulmonary, Digital adherence technology, Electronic pillbox, Mobile WeChat, Factor analysis, statistical