Two-way Short Message Service Research Articles

Supplementing a Paper Questionnaire with Web and Two-way Short Message Service (SMS) Surveys

Abstract When deciding which modes to offer, researchers consider cost, known respondent contact information, and potential mode effects. For a short survey on employment, we evaluate the effect of adding one of two new electronic data collection modes to a mailed questionnaire. We sent a survey to principals who previously responded to the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) asking about their current job status. This questionnaire, known as the Principal Follow-up Survey (PFS), has typically been administered as a short paper form that is mailed to NTPS respondents. In 2022, the PFS introduced two new modes of completion, and principals were randomly assigned to receive: (i) a paper form only; (ii) a paper form, as well as emails with a direct link to complete a web survey; or (iii) a paper form, as well as invitations by text message to complete an automated two-way short message service text survey by responding to texted “yes/no” questions. This article compares overall response rates and time-to-response by mode to determine respondent preferences for completing short surveys. Adding either electronic mode significantly increased response rates and decreased the number of days in which completed surveys were received, compared to offering only a paper questionnaire. Although email and text messages are both forms of electronic communication that may be accessible on a smartphone, the added text message survey resulted in higher response rates than the added web survey. This suggests that respondents interact differently with emails and text messages they receive and that offering an option to complete a survey by text message can increase the speed and efficiency of data collection for short surveys.

Family MUAC supported by a two-way SMS platform for identifying children with wasting: the Mama Aweza randomised controlled trial

Effective methods of preventing and identifying childhood wasting are required to achieve global child health goals. Family mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) programs train caregivers to screen their child for wasting with MUAC tapes. We assessed the effectiveness of a two-way short message service (SMS) platform (referred to as the Maternally Administered Malnutrition Monitoring System [MAMMS]) in western Kenya. In this individual-level randomised controlled trial in two rural countries in western Kenya, children (aged 5-12 months) were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either standard care (SOC) or MAMMS. Randomisation method was permuted-block randomisation with a block size of 10. Eligible participants were children attending maternal child health clinics in the two counties whom had a MUAC between 12.5 and 14.0cm. The MAMMS group received two MUAC tapes and weekly SMS reminders to screen their child's MUAC. The SOC group received routine community health volunteer services and additional quarterly visits from the study team. The primary analysis used a cox proportional hazards model to compare SOC and MAMMS time-to-diagnosis of wasting (MUAC <12.5cm) confirmed by a health professional during 6-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes were days from enrolment to treatment initiation among children with wasting, proportion of all children with wasting who were identified by the two approaches (treatment coverage), mean MUAC at treatment initiation, and duration of wasting treatment. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03967015. Between August 1, 2019 and January 31, 2022, 1200 children were enrolled, among whom the incidence of confirmed wasting was 37% lower in the MAMMS group (hazard ratio: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42-0.94, p=0.022). Among children with wasting, the median number of days-to-diagnosis was similar between study groups (MAMMS: 63 days [interquartile range (IQR): 23-92], SOC: 58 days [IQR: 22-94]). Treatment coverage in the MAMMS group was 83.3% (95% CI: 39.9-100.0) while coverage in the SOC group was 55.6% (95% CI: 22.3-88.9%, p=0.300). Treatment duration and mean MUAC at treatment initiation were similar between groups. Family MUAC supported by SMS was associated with a 37% reduction in wasting among young children. Empowering caregivers to monitor their child's nutritional status at home may prevent a substantial proportion of moderate wasting. Thrasher Research Foundation and Pamela and Evan Fowler.

Outcomes of a Caregiver-Focused Short Message Service (SMS) Intervention to Reduce Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Rural Caregivers and Adolescents.

This study examined enrollment, retention, engagement, and behavior changes from a caregiver short message service (SMS) component of a larger school-based sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) reduction intervention. Over 22 weeks, caregivers of seventh graders in 10 Appalachian middle schools received a two-way SMS Baseline Assessment and four monthly follow-up assessments to report their and their child's SSB intake and select a personalized strategy topic. Between assessments, caregivers received two weekly one-way messages: one information or infographic message and one strategy message. Of 1873 caregivers, 542 (29%) enrolled by completing the SMS Baseline Assessment. Three-quarters completed Assessments 2-5, with 84% retained at Assessment 5. Reminders, used to encourage adherence, improved completion by 19-40%, with 18-33% completing after the first two reminders. Most caregivers (72-93%) selected a personalized strategy and an average of 28% viewed infographic messages. Between Baseline and Assessment 5, daily SSB intake frequency significantly (p < 0.01) declined for caregivers (-0.32 (0.03), effect size (ES) = 0.51) and children (-0.26 (0.01), ES = 0.53). Effect sizes increased when limited to participants who consumed SSB twice or more per week (caregivers ES = 0.65, children ES = 0.67). Findings indicate that an SMS-delivered intervention is promising for engaging rural caregivers of middle school students and improving SSB behaviors.

Costs of a Brief Alcohol Consumption Reduction Intervention for Persons Living with HIV in Southwestern Uganda: Comparisons of Live Versus Automated Cell Phone-Based Booster Components

Low-cost interventions are needed to reduce alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) in low-income settings. Brief alcohol interventions hold promise, and technology may efficiently deliver brief intervention components with high frequency. We conducted a costing study of the components of a randomized trial that compared a counselling-based intervention with two in-person one-on-one sessions supplemented by booster sessions to reinforce the intervention among PWH with unhealthy alcohol use in southwest Uganda. Booster sessions were delivered twice weekly by two-way short message service (SMS) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR), i.e. via technology, or approximately monthly via live calls from counsellors. We found no significant intervention effects compared to the control, however the cost of the types of booster sessions differed. Start up and recurring costs for the technology-delivered booster sessions were 2.5 to 3 times the cost per participant of the live-call delivered booster intervention for 1000 participants. These results suggest technology-based interventions for PWH are unlikely to be lower cost than person-delivered interventions unless they are at very large scale.

Systematic Literature Review of Text Messaging Interventions to Promote Medication Adherence Among People With Serious Mental Illness.

Mobile health tools are feasible options to encourage behavior change among patients with serious mental illness. Mobile health tools vary widely, both in platforms used and content delivered. This literature review assessed the use of text messaging interventions to promote medication adherence among patients with serious mental illness. A systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines examined short message service (SMS) text messaging interventions promoting medication adherence to people with a serious mental illness diagnosis. Databases included PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Data extraction included demographic information, participant diagnoses, intervention components, medication class, adherence measures, research design, and study outcomes. Study quality was also assessed. Of 114 full-text articles screened, 10 articles were selected from nine unique interventions (N=937 people with serious mental illness). Study durations ranged from 30 days to 18 months, with frequency of SMS ranging from twice weekly to 12 times daily. Of the nine unique trials, most reported using an automated server to deliver SMS messages (N=7), two-way SMS capabilities (N=6), customized message content or timing (N=7), and additional components (e.g., provider contact, educational content, and monetary rewards) (N=7). Seven of the 10 articles reported statistically significant improvement in medication adherence and in at least one clinical outcome. Evidence to date indicates that text messaging interventions are feasible and appear to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes among patients with serious mental illness. Future research should assess implementation approaches and how to scale up efforts in nonresearch settings.

Risk factors for stillbirth and neonatal mortality among participants in Mobile WACh NEO pilot, a two-way SMS communication program in Kenya.

Globally, 2.5 million neonates die and 2 million more are stillborn each year; the vast majority occur where access to life-saving care is limited. High quality, feasible interventions are needed to reach, educate and empower pregnant women and new mothers to improve care-seeking behaviors. Mobile WACh (Mobile solutions for Women's and Children's health) NEO is a human-computer hybrid mobile health (mHealth) system that allows for two-way short message service (SMS) communication between women and healthcare workers during the peripartum period. We performed a secondary prospective cohort analysis of data from the Mobile WACh NEO pilot study to determine maternal characteristics associated with neonatal death and stillbirth and examine participant messaging associated with these events. Pregnant women were enrolled at two Kenyan public health clinics between 28-36 weeks gestation. They received personalized, educational, action-oriented SMS messages during pregnancy and through 14 weeks postpartum. Participants could message the study at any time and study nurses responded. Standardized questionnaires assessed participant characteristics at baseline and 14 weeks postpartum. Outcomes were ascertained at study visits or by SMS report. Among 798 pregnant women enrolled, median age was 24 years [IQR 21, 29], 37% were primiparous and 92% used SMS as a primary mode of communication. Seventeen neonatal deaths and 13 stillbirths occurred. Older maternal age was associated with increased risk of stillbirth [aRR 1.12 (CI 1.02-1.24), p <0.05]. We found no significant predictors of neonatal death. Participant messaging to study nurse about concerns in the week preceding death was less common prior to infant death after discharge home from facility birth (9%) than prior to stillbirth (23%). We found limited predictors of neonatal death and stillbirth, suggesting identifying women prenatally for targeted support may not be a feasible strategy. Scarce messaging from mothers whose neonates died may reflect difficulties identifying illness or rapid deterioration and needs to be better understood to design and test interventions for this high-risk period. Messaging prior to stillbirth, while at similar levels as other periods, does not appear to have an impact as most women do not experience identifiable signs or symptoms prior to the event.

Developing a two-way short message service (2-way SMS) to quit

Developing a two-way short message service (2-way SMS) to quit

Impact of a two-way short message service (SMS) to support maternally administered childhood mid-upper arm circumference monitoring and expand malnutrition screening in Kenya: the Mama Aweza trial protocol

IntroductionOver 52 million children under 5 years of age become wasted each year, but only 17% of these children receive treatment. Novel methods to identify and deliver treatment to malnourished...

Developing Caregiver Led mHealth Solutions for Screening and Managing Childhood Wasting in the Mama Aweza Trial in Kenya

Abstract Objectives Globally, only 17% of children with wasting receive treatment. In Kenya, 4% of the 7 million children under-5 years of age are wasted and 26% are stunted. The Mama Aweza trial will test whether a two-way short message service (SMS) mobile health system, the Maternal Administered Malnutrition Monitoring System (MAMMS), can increase the coverage of malnutrition management programs in low-and-middle income countries. Methods Five formative focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with caregivers at an immunization clinic in Migori County, Kenya to inform feasibility and content of SMS messages in the MAMMS system. Caregivers were asked to explain anticipated facilitators and barriers to participation in a SMS program to facilitate home-based mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC) monitoring. FGDs also reviewed educational messages that accompany weekly SMS reminders to measure and report their child's MUAC. The feedback from these FGDs was included in the clinical trial, which begun in August 2019. Results The most anticipated challenge to responding to weekly messages was the use of a shared phone particularly that the SMS would be deleted or the caregiver would not be informed of the message. The greatest anticipated challenge for sending messages was and not knowing how to send a SMS. Overall, 52 messages were written on the following topics: developmental milestones, encouragement, fever, diarrhea, malaria, ear infections, sanitation and hygiene, vaccinations, respiratory illness, and kitchen gardening. To date, 144 mother-infant dyads have been enrolled and 77 randomly assigned to the MAMMS arm. Sixty-nine (90%) caregivers have responded to ≥1 message and 503 (68%) of 742 automated messages have received a response. At enrollment, 21 (27%) of caregivers in the MAMMS arm reported a shared phone, with no current evidence that caregivers sharing a phone respond less than those with their own phone. Conclusions Caregivers found SMS-based malnutrition screening to be acceptable and engaging. In regions with high literacy and high mobile phone ownership, such as Kenya, SMS supported home MUAC monitoring may improve malnutrition screening coverage and lead to earlier identification and treatment. Funding Sources Thrasher Research Foundation 14,656.

Two-Way Short Message Service (SMS) Communication May Increase Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Continuation and Adherence Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Kenya

We evaluated a 2-way short message service (SMS) communication platform to improve continuation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among Kenyan women who initiated PrEP within routine maternal child health (MCH) and family planning clinics. We adapted an existing SMS platform (Mobile WACh [mWACh]) to send PrEP-tailored, theory-based SMS and allow clients to communicate with a remote nurse. Women who did not have HIV and who were initiating PrEP at 2 MCH/family planning clinics in Kisumu County, Kenya, from February to October 2018, were offered enrollment into the mWACh-PrEP program; SMS communication was free. We evaluated acceptability, satisfaction, and implementation metrics. In a pre/postevaluation, we compared PrEP continuation at 1-month postinitiation among women who initiated PrEP in the period before (n=166) versus after mWACh-PrEP implementation, adjusting for baseline differences. Of the 334 women who were screened for enrollment into the mWACh-PrEP program; 193 (58%) were eligible and of those, 190 (98%) accepted enrollment. Reasons for ineligibility (n=141) included no phone access (29%) and shared SIM cards (25%). Median age was 25 years (interquartile range=22-30), and 91% were MCH clients. Compared to women who initiated PrEP in the month before mWACh-PrEP implementation, women who enrolled in mWACh-PrEP were more likely to return for their first PrEP follow-up visit (40% vs. 53%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR]=1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.06, 1.50; P=.008) and more likely to continue PrEP (22% vs. 43%; aRR=1.75; 95% CI=1.21, 2.55; P=.003). Among those who returned, 99% reported successful receipt of SMS through the mWACh-PrEP system and 94% reported that mWACh-PrEP helped them understand PrEP better. Concerns about PrEP use, how it works, and side effects accounted for the majority (80%) of issues raised by participants using SMS. Two-way SMS expanded support for PrEP and opportunities for dialogue beyond the clinic and enabled women to ask and receive answers in real time regarding PrEP, which facilitated its continued use.

Kids SIPsmartER, a cluster randomized controlled trial and multi-level intervention to improve sugar-sweetened beverages behaviors among Appalachian middle-school students: Rationale, design & methods

The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is disproportionately high in Appalachia, including among adolescents whose intake is more than double the national average and more than four times the recommended daily amount. Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence for effective strategies targeting SSB behaviors among Appalachian youth in real-world settings, including rural schools. Kids SIPsmartER is a 6-month, school-based, behavior and health literacy program aimed at improving SSB behaviors among middle school students. The program also integrates a two-way short message service (SMS) strategy to engage caregivers in SSB role modeling and supporting home SSB environment changes. Kids SIPsmartER is grounded by the Theory of Planned Behavior and health literacy, media literacy, numeracy, and public health literacy concepts. Guided by the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), this type 1 hybrid design and cluster randomized controlled trial targets 12 Appalachian middle schools in southwest Virginia. The primary aim evaluates changes in SSB behaviors at 7-months among 7th grade students at schools receiving Kids SIPsmartER, as compared to control schools. Secondary outcomes include other changes in students (e.g., BMI, quality of life, theory-related variables) and caregivers (e.g., SSB behaviors, home SSB environment), and 19-month maintenance of these outcomes. Reach is assessed, along with mixed-methods strategies (e.g., interviews, surveys, observation) to determine how teachers implement Kids SIPsmartER and the potential for institutionalization within schools. This paper discusses the rationale for implementing and evaluating a type 1 hybrid design and multi-level intervention addressing pervasive SSB behaviors in Appalachia.Clincialtrials.gov: NCT03740113

An mHealth SMS intervention on Postpartum Contraceptive Use Among Women and Couples in Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives. To assess the effect of 2-way short message service (SMS) with a nurse on postpartum contraceptive use among individual women and couples. Methods. From 2016 to 2017, we conducted a randomized controlled trial at 2 public hospitals in western Kenya. We assigned eligible pregnant women to receive 2-way SMS with a nurse or no SMS, with the option to include male partners. We delivered automated family planning-focused SMS messages weekly until 6 months postpartum. Women and men receiving SMS could interact with nurses via SMS. In intention-to-treat analysis, we compared highly effective contraceptive (HEC) use at 6 months postpartum between groups using the χ2 test. We used Poisson regression in adjusted analysis. Results. We randomized 260 women to 2-way SMS or control, and we enrolled 103 male partners. At 6 months postpartum, 69.9% women receiving SMS reported HEC use, compared with 57.4% in control (relative risk = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 1.47; P = .04). In analysis adjusted for baseline demographic differences, the adjusted relative risk for HEC use in the SMS group was 1.26 (95% CI = 1.04, 1.52; P = .02). Conclusions. Two-way SMS with a nurse, including optional male participation, increased postpartum contraceptive use. Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT02781714.

A Two-Way Interactive Text Messaging Application for Low-Income Patients with Chronic Medical Conditions: Design-Thinking Development Approach.

BackgroundTwo-way interactive text messaging between patient and community health workers (CHWs) through mobile phone SMS (short message service) text messaging is a form of digital health that can potentially enhance patient engagement in young adults and families that have a child with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, sickle cell disease, and asthma. These patients have complex needs, and a user-centered way can be useful for designing a tool to address their needs.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to utilize the user-centered approach of design thinking to develop a two-way interactive communication SMS text messaging tool for communication between patients or caregivers and CHWs.MethodsWe applied a design thinking methodology for development of the SMS text messaging tool. We collected qualitative data from 127 patients/caregivers and 13 CHWs, health care professionals, and experts. In total, 4 iterative phases were used to design the final prototype.ResultsThe design thinking process led to the final SMS text messaging tool that was transformed from a one-dimensional, template-driven prototype (phases 1 and 2) into a dynamic, interactive, and individually tailored tool (phases 3 and 4). The individualized components consider social factors that influence patients’ ability to engage such as transportation issues and appointment reminders. SMS text messaging components also include operational factors to support staff such as patient contact lists, SMS text messaging templates, and technology chat support.ConclusionsDesign thinking can develop a tool to meet the engagement needs of patients with complex health care needs and be user-friendly for health care staff.

Evaluating the potential costs and impact of digital health technologies for tuberculosis treatment support.

Ensuring adherence and support during treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge. Digital health technologies could help improve treatment outcomes. We considered their potential cost and impact on treatment for active or latent TB in Brazil.Decision analysis models simulated two adult cohorts with 1) drug-susceptible active TB, and 2) multidrug-resistant TB, and two cohorts treated with isoniazid for latent TB infection (LTBI): 1) close contacts of persons with active TB, and 2) others newly diagnosed with LTBI. We evaluated four digital support strategies: two different medication monitors, synchronous video-observed therapy (VOT), and two-way short message service (SMS). Comparators were standard directly observed treatment for active TB and self-administered treatment for LTBI. Projected outcomes included costs (2016 US dollars), plus active TB cases and disability-adjusted life years averted among persons with LTBI.For individuals with active TB, medication monitors and VOT are projected to lead to substantial (up to 58%) cost savings, in addition to alleviating inconvenience and cost to patients of supervised treatment visits. For LTBI treatment, SMS and medication monitors are projected to be the most cost-effective interventions. However, all projections are limited by the scarcity of published estimates of clinical effect for the digital technologies.

Short message service communication improves exclusive breastfeeding and early postpartum contraception in a low- to middle-income country setting: a randomised trial.

To assess the effect of short message service (SMS) communication on facility delivery, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and contraceptive use. Mobile WACh was a three-arm unblinded individually randomised controlled trial. A public sector maternal child health (MCH) clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Three hundred women attending antenatal care were randomised, 100 to each arm, and followed for 24 weeks postpartum. Pregnant women, at least 14 years old with access to a mobile phone and able to read SMS were eligible for participation. Women were randomised (1:1:1) to receive one-way SMS versus two-way SMS with a nurse versus control. Weekly SMS content was tailored for maternal characteristics and pregnancy or postpartum timing. Facility delivery, EBF, and contraceptive use were compared separately between each intervention arm and the control arm by Kaplan-Meier analysis and chi-square tests using intent-to-treat analyses. The overall facility delivery rate was high (98%) and did not differ by arm. Compared with controls, probability of EBF was higher in the one-way SMS arm at 10 and 16 weeks, and in the two-way SMS arm at 10, 16, and 24 weeks (P < 0.005 for all). Contraceptive use was significantly higher in both intervention arms by 16 weeks (one-way SMS: 72% and two-way SMS: 73%; P = 0.03 and P = 0.02 versus 57% control, respectively); however, this difference was not significant when correcting for multiple comparisons. One-way and two-way SMS improved EBF practices and early contraceptive use. Two-way SMS had an added benefit on sustained EBF, providing evidence that SMS messaging influences uptake of interventions that improve maternal and neonatal health. Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health (K12HD001264 to JAU, R01HD080460, K24HD054314 to GJS, and K01AI116298 to ALD), the National Science Foundation (Graduate Research Fellowship to TP and BD), as well as the University of Washington Global Center for Integrated Health of Women Adolescents and Children (Global WACh). The Mobile WACh RCT demonstrates that SMS improved practice of exclusive breastfeeding and early postpartum contraception.

The effect of text messaging on latent tuberculosis treatment adherence: a randomised controlled trial.

There is limited high-quality evidence available to inform the use of text messaging to improve latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment adherence.We performed a parallel, randomised controlled trial at two sites to assess the effect of a two-way short message service on LTBI adherence. We enrolled adults initiating LTBI therapy from June 2012 to September 2015 in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to standard LTBI treatment (control) or standard LTBI treatment plus two-way weekly text messaging (intervention). The primary outcome was treatment completion, defined as taking ≥80% prescribed doses within 12 months (isoniazid) or 6 months (rifampin) of enrolment. The trial was unblinded except for the data analyst.A total of 358 participants were assigned to the intervention (n=170) and control (n=188) arms. In intention-to-treat analysis, the proportion of participants completing LTBI therapy in the intervention and control arms was 79.4% and 81.9%, respectively (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.07; p=0.550). Results were similar for pre-specified secondary end-points, including time-to-completion of LTBI therapy, completion of >90% of prescribed LTBI doses and health-related quality of life.Weekly two-way text messaging did not improve LTBI completion rates compared to standard LTBI care; however, completion rates were high in both treatment arms.

Experience including men in a novel short message service (SMS) approach to improve postpartum family planning education and counseling in Kenya

Objectives: Male partner engagement in family planning is hypothesized to reduce unmet need, yet few interventions have incorporated men. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a two-way SMS family planning counseling intervention among postpartum women and couples. We describe experience with male recruitment and enrollment, and compare baseline characteristics by partner enrollment.

Improving Medication Adherence with Two-way Short Message Service Reminders in Sickle Cell Disease and Asthma. A feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a childhood and adult disease that primarily affects African Americans, characterized by life threatening sequelae mitigated by medications. One-way and two-way short message service (SMS) medication reminders have differing efficacy in chronic diseases. There is limited literature about SMS medication reminders in SCD. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility, defined by recruitment/acceptance, retention/attrition, and technology utilization, of two-way SMS medication reminders in individuals with SCD with and without asthma. Participants were randomly allocated to standard care or reminders. Two-way SMS reminders were automated using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) for hydroxyurea, fluticasone, budesonide and montelukast. Adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Asthma control was assessed using the Childhood and Adult-Asthma Control Tests (ACT). Participants were enrolled 28 to 60 days with a common termination date. The recruitment rate was 95% (47/49) and 82.9% completed the study. Among the 47 study participants enrolled, 51.1% were male, 61.7% were adults, median age was 20 (range: 3 to 59), and 98% were African Americans. Of the 26 participants receiving messages, 20% responded on over 95% of the days and usage varied with an average response rate of 33%, ranging from 21% to 46%. Medication adherence scores improved significantly in the intervention group (3.42 before, 5.46 after; p=0.002), but not in the control group (3.90 before, 4.75 after; p=0.080). Childhood-ACT scores improved in the intervention group (19.20 before, 24.25 after). Adult-ACT scores within the intervention arm were unchanged (21.0 before, 22.0 after. ACT scores did not improve significantly. This study demonstrated the feasibility for two-way SMS medication reminders to improve medication adherence in a high-risk population where daily medication adherence is critical to health outcomes and quality of life.

Evaluation of mHealth strategies to optimize adherence and efficacy of Option B+ prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission: Rationale, design and methods of a 3-armed randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) (Option B+) is recommended for all HIV-infected pregnant/postpartum women, but high adherence is required to maximize HIV prevention potential and maintain maternal health. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide treatment adherence support for women during, and beyond, the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Methods and designWe are conducting an unblinded, triple-arm randomized clinical trial (Mobile WACh X) of one-way short message service (SMS) vs. two-way SMS vs. control (no SMS) to improve maternal ART adherence and retention in care by 2years postpartum. We will enroll 825 women from Nairobi and Western Kenya. Women in the intervention arms receive weekly, semi-automated motivational and educational SMS and visit reminders via an interactive, human-computer hybrid communication system. Participants in the two-way SMS arm are also asked to respond to a question related to the message. SMS are based in behavioral theory, are tailored to participant characteristics through SMS tracks, and are timed along the pregnancy/postpartum continuum. After enrollment, follow-up visits are scheduled at 6weeks; 6, 12, 18, and 24months postpartum. The primary outcomes, virological failure (HIV viral load ≥1000copies/mL), maternal retention in care, and infant HIV infection or death, will be compared in an intent to treat analysis. We will also measure ART adherence and drug resistance. DiscussionPersonalized and tailored SMS to support HIV-infected women during and after pregnancy may be an effective strategy to motivate women to adhere to ART and remain in care and improve maternal and infant outcomes.

VP209 Two-Way Short Message Service (SMS) For Better Engagement And Quality Bio-Surveillance System

INTRODUCTION:Along with the exponential growth of technology, the use of mobile devices in health, or mHealth, has been quickly becoming a viable practice to strengthen health systems, especially in low-resource settings. Nevertheless, the majority of mHealth interventions are pilot efforts which mostly lack robust design and evidence about the use of mHealth in public health. This study assessed the use of a bi-directional Short Message Service (SMS) in disease surveillance in Vietnam and aimed to bring evidence in improving engagement of health staff as well as the quality of reporting.METHODS:Eighty health staff from fourty communes of Hoa Binh and Hung Yen provinces were trained and participated in two 6-month pilots: one with one-way, and one with a bi-directional SMS system for assisting in error screening, and reminder and feedback provision to report two diseases: influenza and diarrhea using cell phones. After each examination and checking-in onto the paper logbook, participants reported the case by texting an SMS to a designated number and made notes of successfully reported cases. A central data repository server was set up to collect SMS reports, and aggregate reported patient data. Engagement of health staff and quality of the reporting work were assessed by the evaluation of the qualitative questionnaires, and the comparison of the texted SMS reports to the patient logbooks.RESULTS:With the use of a two-way versus one-way SMS system, participants were 4.6 times more likely (95 percent Confidence Interval, CI 3.93-5.44, p&lt; .001) to send correctly formatted text reports, and 3.4 times more likely (95 percent CI 2.72-4.33, p&lt; .001) to have precise information in their texted messages. Results also revealed that while their position, age, or gender of participants did not statistically influence the results, ethnicity and management roles did.CONCLUSIONS:The study showed that the use of a bi-directional SMS-based reporting system both significantly improved participants engagement in the reporting protocol, and greatly enhanced their reporting quality. The study demonstrated that robust evidence of a practical utilization of SMS in a disease reporting system to replace the traditional paper-based one has great potential for a scale-up and national-wide implementation.