Efficacy of SMS to Improve Early Retention in HIV Care for PLWH in Lima

Efficacy of an Intervention With Text Messaging to Improve Early Retention in HIV Care for People With HIV Who Receive Treatment at VIA LIBRE

Randomized controlled study that will evaluate the effect of a text message-based strategy to improve retention in HIV care.

This is a randomized controlled pilot study with a parallel 2-arm design. It will evaluate the effect of a text message-based strategy to improve retention in HIV care at the study clinic, compared to the standard of care. Trained counselors will deliver the text messages. After a block randomization, the trained counselor (a nurse) will send the first welcoming message to participants in the intervention arm. The nurse will send 2 tailored text messages per week. In addition 2 to 4 days before an appointment, the nurse will send a message reminder. In addition, the nurse will have bilateral communication with participants using text messages according to their needs. The participants of the intervention arm will interact with the nurse during 3 months with a semi-structured strategy, that is, with template text messages (predesigned) and open messages (for which the nurse will be trained). Three and six months after started the intervention the variables of interest will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male 18 years old or older.
• Linked to HIV care at the study clinic.
• Have a cell phone.
• Diagnosed at the study clinic of referred from other center to start ART.
• Give consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Enrolled in other HIV study using text messages.
• Have started ART.
• Enrolled in a clinical trial.