Abstract
Poor adherence is a major challenge to antiretroviral therapy. It is now recommended that patients have 95% adherence in order to maintain sufficient suppression of viral replication and prevent the emergence of resistance. It is therefore of paramount importance device methods to improve patients adherence. The use of mobile phone calls and text messages are being explored in improving adherence. In this study, the effect of counselling plus reminder text messages were determined. A total of 132 patients were allocated into an intervention and control groups. Both groups were given additional adherence counselling at the beginning of the study and on every clinic visit. The intervention group was also sent reminder text messages for a period of 24 weeks. The CD4 count of all patients was recorded at the start of the study, then the final reading after the follow-up period. The difference in the increase in the CD4 counts between the two groups was compared to find out the difference. Additionally, patients’ self-report of adherence were compared between the two groups. Patients with 95% and above adherence were classified as adherent, while those with less than 95% non-adherent. It was found that the patients who received reminder text messages in addition to counselling had significantly higher mean percentage increase in CD4 count (36.7%) compared to the control group (19.12%), which received counselling only (p=0.007) However, using self-report form, there was no statistical significant difference in the level of adherence between intervention group and control group. It was therefore concluded that regular counselling and reminder text messages have improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
Highlights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a single stranded RNA retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which individuals are at increased risk of developing a group of clinical features including certain infections and malignancies (Charles and Robert, 1997)
It was found that the patients who received reminder text messages in addition to counselling had significantly higher mean percentage increase in CD4 count (36.7%) compared to the control group (19.12%), which received counselling only (p=0.007) using self-report form, there was no statistical significant difference in the level of adherence between intervention group and control group
It could be concluded from this study that counselling and text message follow-up has improved patients’ adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) similar to results found in other parts of Nigeria, other African countries, India and the United States
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a single stranded RNA retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which individuals are at increased risk of developing a group of clinical features including certain infections (opportunistic infections) and malignancies (Charles and Robert, 1997). The aim of the study is to assess the effect of text message follow-up and counselling on adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The hypothesized that text message follow-up and additional counselling will improve patients’ adherence and will result in a good increase in CD4 counts. Many studies showed that mobile-based interventions to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are being explored and are useful in improving adherence. Study in Kenya revealed that patients who received short message service had significantly improved ART adherence rates and viral load suppression (Lester et al, 2010). A study in a tertiary institution showed that monthly adherence counselling and twice weekly text messages reminder improved ART adherence (Maduka and Tobin-West, 2013). This study utilize short reminder text message to improve patients’ adherence to ART. No study of such type was conducted in this facility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
