Evaluation of the Impact of Mobile Phone Messages on ART and PMTCT Adherence in Mozambique

Evaluation of the Impact of Mobile Phone Messages on ART and PMTCT Adherence in Mozambique: A Randomized Control Trial

Mobile phone SMS are increasingly used to promote positive health behaviour with an aim to improve health outcomes. However, robust data on the efficacy of SMS on health seeking behaviour and patient outcomes in resource-limited settings is sparse. The SMSaude study aims to assess whether regular SMS-reminders improve retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programmes in Mozambique.

SMSaúde is a multisite randomised clinical trial of HIV-infected adults on ART and HIV-infected pregnant women in six clinics in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Eligibility criteria include: currently residing in the province; no plans to move for 12+ months; have own cell-phone; literate; 8-28 weeks pregnant (PMTCT cohort); on first line ART and on ART for >15 days (ART cohort). Patients were interviewed for eligibility, and then randomized (1:1). SMS reminders are sent to the intervention group using software that picks up the patient's next appointment from the electronic patient database. Primary outcomes tested were improved retention in ART care and uptake of all PMTCT services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• On ART for >15 days (for ART only)
• Live in province and plan to stay for 12+ months
• Have cell phone
• Literate

For PMTCT (in addition to above criteria):

- pregnant between 8-28 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

-