Development and Evaluation of BABAT TB: A Smart System-Based Reminder Box for Enhancing Tuberculosis Medication Adherence

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the functionality of a smart system-based prototype, "BABAT TB," a medication box designed to assist tuberculosis (TB) patients in adhering to their treatment schedules. METHODS: The development of the BABAT TB prototype followed the Design Science Research Methodology framework, encompassing the stages of problem identification and motivation, defining the objectives for a solution, and system design and development. Problem identification and motivation were established through semi-structured interviews with TB program officers and document analysis. The prototype integrates two main functional components: a drug quantity monitoring module and a reminder/alarm system for medication schedules, both monitored in real time. Serial communication through a SIM register is used to transmit real-time drug quantity data to the associated application. The system is powered by two 4,000 mAh lithium batteries, providing up to 2 months of use without recharging. RESULTS: The prototype consists of three core hardware components: the input control circuit, the timer circuit, and the drug amount detection circuit. All modules were successfully assembled and powered. The timer was configured according to medical prescriptions, and the alarm activated at the scheduled times, effectively reminding patients to take their medication. CONCLUSIONS: The BABAT TB prototype effectively measures medication quantities and provides timely alerts, thereby supporting adherence to TB treatment. In addition, it can transmit data related to drug quantities, consultation schedules, and prototype identity cards (IDs) to a database.