The effect of an interactive weekly text-messaging intervention on retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV care: a randomised controlled trial (WelTel PMTCT).

ABSTRACT: Retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) care is critical to prevent vertical HIV transmission and reduce morbidity and mortality of mother-infant pairs. We investigated whether weekly, interactive text-messaging improved 18-month postpartum retention in PMTCT care. This randomised, two-armed, parallel trial was conducted at six PMTCT clinics in western Kenya. Pregnant women with HIV at least 18 years of age with access to a mobile phone, able to text-message, or had somebody who could text on their behalf, were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio in block sizes of four to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received weekly text messages asking "How are you?" ("Mambo?" in Swahili) and were requested to respond within 48 

SUBMITTER: Nordberg B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10256764 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature