Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Leukemia is considered one of the most common childhood cancers, requiring long-term treatment that often affects adherence to the treatment. Treatment adherence is one of the most important health issues. Adolescents demonstrate the highest scores of non-adherences to treatment. Treatment adherence refers to the extent to which a patient follows medication protocols, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle adjustments as per healthcare provider recommendations. Mobile health programs utilize mobile technology to provide health services. Given the potential influence of mobile technology interventions on treatment outcomes, a study was conducted to assess the impact of mobile health on medication adherence in adolescents with leukemia. METHODS: This study, a clinical trial conducted in 2023, involved the selection of sixty adolescents meeting entry criteria, who were then randomly allocated to intervention (30 participants) and control groups (30 participants). The intervention group utilized a treatment adherence application for eight weeks. Data collection utilized the Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire and the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). RESULTS: There were no significant demographic differences between the intervention and control groups. Pre-test results showed a mean adherence score of 6.000 with a standard deviation of 1.11 in the intervention group and 4.25 with a standard deviation of 1.45 in the control group, with no statistically significant variance. Post-test results indicated increased treatment adherence in the intervention group, while no change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of a mobile health application enhances treatment adherence among adolescents with leukemia.