Pilot RCT and Interview Study on an HIV Chatbot in Nigeria

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and an Interview Study to Evaluate a Chatbot for People Living With HIV in Nigeria

This study will investigate the use of a HIV chatbot that acts as an informational coach.

The main question the study aims to answer is:

Does the chatbot improve HIV knowledge in adults (older than 18-years) newly diagnosed with HIV in Nigeria - compared to a control group?

Moreover, the study will also determine potential effects of the chatbot use on patients' resilience, psychological well-being. The study will explore patients' use and perceptions of the chatbot, as well as potential gender differences.

The control group will receive Standard of Care only. Patients in the chatbot intervention group will interact with the chatbot in addition to receiving Standard of Care. They will be able to:

• Use a chatbot via WhatsApp
• Receive information on relevant HIV topics
• Get automated responses to their HIV-related questions
• Be reminded of medical appointments and medication schedules

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with HIV
• ART enrollment: at the day of recruitment or in the subsequent 7 days. But no longer than 30 months prior to enrolment in the study..
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Have a personal internet-enabled smartphone with WhatsApp installed
• Carry the phone with them at the time of recruitment
• Able to understand, read, and write in English (the official language in Nigeria)
• Able to understand the information about the study
• Provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known pregnancy or ≤3 months postpartum
• Persons with suicidal ideation and/or severe mental distress