Pilot Study of Text Message Reminders to Improve HIV Medication Adherence in Botswana

A Pilot Study of Cellular Phone Text Message Reminders to Improve HIV Medication Adherence at Independence Surgery Clinic Gaborone, Botswana

While medication adherence is critical to successful treatment of HIV, there are few studies of interventions demonstrating improvements in adherence. This may be a particular challenge in the developing world, which has a larger burden of HIV but fewer resources than industrialized countries. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial of cellular phone text message reminders to improve medication adherence. Our pilot study will be set in a large HIV clinic in Gaborone, Botswana, where Penn researchers have collaborated on research projects in the past. The primary study outcome will be antiretroviral medication adherence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV infected
• 21 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who do not intend to have continuous follow-up care and monthly medication refills at Independence Surgery for at least the next six months