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A Smartphone App for Real-Time Assessment of Malaria Prophylaxis Adverse Events
Natalia Rodriguez-Valero1, Maria Jesus Ledesma-Carbayo2, Helena Martí-Soler1
1ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Department of International Health, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Summary
Travelers taking malaria prophylaxis reported similar symptoms to those not taking it, suggesting symptoms are not solely due to medication. This research aids understanding of travel-related health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Digital Health
Background:
- International travel to malaria-endemic regions has increased, leading to greater use of malaria prophylaxis.
- Travelers may misattribute symptoms to malaria prophylaxis, impacting adherence.
- Real-time symptom reporting via smartphone apps offers a novel approach to assess this issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of real-time symptom reporting by international travelers using malaria prophylaxis.
- To compare symptom incidence between travelers on malaria prophylaxis and those not prescribed it.
- To investigate the relationship between malaria prophylaxis dosage and reported symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A single-center study in Barcelona, Spain, involving 604 adult international travelers.
- Utilized the smartphone application 'Trip Doctor' for daily symptom reporting.
- Compared symptom data between travelers prescribed malaria prophylaxis and a control group.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in reported symptoms were found between travelers taking malaria prophylaxis and those who were not.
- No correlation was identified between the quantity of malaria pills consumed and the number of reported symptoms.
- Travelers on prophylaxis journeyed more frequently to Africa and high-risk medical countries, and reported higher rates of immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Symptoms experienced by travelers were not significantly more frequent in those using malaria prophylaxis compared to controls.
- The overall symptom proportion observed in this cohort was higher than in previous studies.
- Smartphone app data provides valuable insights into traveler health and medication-related concerns.
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