Exploring the Role of Digital Adherence Technology in Enhancing Patient Care for Tuberculosis in India: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

Background: In India, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health concern, contributing significantly to the worldwide burden. For TB to be effectively treated, drug resistance should be minimized, and transmission should be controlled. Treatment adherence is essential. Effective TB management is hampered by socioeconomic inequality, stigma, and restricted access to healthcare, all of which frequently decrease adherence. In recent years, digital health technology (DHTs), which provide scalable, patient-centered solutions, have become innovative tools to tackle these issues. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the digital adherence technology (DHT) in India. We explored PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, where qualitative studies were assessed and summarized. Results: From a yield of 541 studies, four were included for systematic review. The outcomes of the studies: acceptability of the digital interventions, effect of digital adherence in patient care. Conclusion: DHT was proven to be a potentially effective strategy for improving medication adherence and treatment outcomes in TB patients in India.