Behaviourally-Informed Two-Way Text Messaging to Improve Return to HIV Care in South Africa: Evidence from a Randomised Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: One-way text messaging to re-engage people in HIV care has shown promise, but little is known about two-way messaging. We evaluated a behaviourally-informed two-way text messaging intervention to increase re-engagement in care following missed visits. We conducted an individual-level randomised controlled trial between February and March 2023 in Capricorn District, South Africa. Adults aged ≥ 18 years who had missed an ART visit by > 28 days were randomised to (1) a standard one-way text message, or (2) behaviourally-informed two-way text messages. The primary outcome was return to care within 45 days, analysed as (1) intention to treat, and (2) restricted to successful message delivery. 3,695 participants were randomised: 1,845 to the one-way message group and 1,850 to the two-way message

SUBMITTER: Njuguna C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12500771 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature