The effect of proactive, interactive, two-way texting on 12-month retention in antiretroviral therapy: Findings from a quasi-experimental study in Lilongwe, Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Retaining clients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging, especially during the first year on ART. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions show promise to close retention gaps. We aimed to assess reach (who received the intervention?) and effectiveness (did it work?) of a hybrid two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve ART retention at a large public clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods

Between August 2021-June 2023, in a quasi-experimental study, outcomes were compared between two cohorts of new ART clients: 1) those opting into 2wT who received automated, weekly motivation short messaging service (SMS) messages and response-requested appointment reminders; and 2) a matched historical cohort receiving standard of care (SoC). Reach was defined as "the pr

SUBMITTER: Feldacker C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11361596 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature