Feasibility and acceptability of mobile phone data collection for longitudinal follow-up among patients treated for obstetric fistula in Uganda

Rapid dissemination of mobile technology provides substantial opportunity for overcoming challenges reaching rural and marginalized populations. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of longitudinal mobile data capture among women undergoing fistula surgery in Uganda (n = 60) in 2014-2015. Participants were followed for 12 months following surgery, with data captured quarterly, followed by interviews at 12 months. Participant retention was high (97%). Most respondents reported no difficulty with mobile data capture (range 93%-100%), and preferred mobile interview (88%-100%). Mobile data capture saved 1000 person-hours of transit and organizational time. Phone-based mobile data collection provided social support. Our results support this method for longitudinal studies among geographically and socially marginalized populations.