The Impact of Short Message Services (SMS) on ARV Adherence in Western Kenya

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: AIDS; Antiretroviral Therapy; Medication Adherence; HIV Infections
• Interventions: Behavioral: Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence

• Registration Number: NCT01058694
• Lead Sponsor: Georgetown University

Brief Summary

The purpose of proposed research is to implement a randomized study that will allow us to understand and address a number of key barriers to patient adherence as well as study the effects of better adherence on health and socio-economic outcomes.

Detailed Description

Several studies have shown that proper adherence to treatment regimens is essential for the effectiveness of ARV therapy (e.g Wools-Kaloustian et al. 2006). There is also evidence in that in some treatment programs in Africa, adherence rates are not always high (Gill et al. 2005). Even in settings where adherence levels are found to be high, numerous factors have been identified as being relevant, although the causal effects are unknown (Castro, 2006). As ARV treatment programs are scaled up in Africa, it is essential to understand the socio-economic determinants of adherence to ARV treatment, as well as the impact of interventions to support high levels of adherence. A secondary objective of this study is to understand the socio-economic impacts of higher adherence.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-06
• Primary Completion: 2008-12
• Study Completion: 2009-07
• Status Verified: 2010-01
• Study First Submitted: 2010-01-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-01-28
• Last Update Submitted: 2010-01-28
• Study First Posted: 2010-01-29
• Last Update Posted: 2010-01-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 720

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients who had been on ARV therapy at the Chulaimbo Rural Health Center for a maximum of three months and providing consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients who had been on ARV therapy for more than 3 months.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: FACTORIAL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Weekly SMS, brief message	Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence	Weekly SMS received on Monday at 12 noon
Control Group	Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence	Receives a phone, but no messages.
Daily SMS, Brief message	Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence	Receive daily brief message at 12 noon: "This is your reminder"
Daily SMS, Long Message	Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence	Receive a daily long message at 12 noon: "This is your reminder + encouragement"
Weekly SMS, Long Message	Short Message Services to Support ARV therapy adherence	Weekly message sent at 12 noon on Mondays: "This is your reminder + encouragement"

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
MEMS Adherence	12 months follow up

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Frequency/incidence of ARV treatment interruptions	12 months follow up

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Chulaimbo Rural Health Center; 🇰🇪 Kisumu, Maseno District, Kenya