PREVIEW

Effect of an Interactive Text-Messaging Service on Patient Retention During the First Year of HIV Care in Kenya (WelTel Retain): An Open-label, Randomized Parallel-Group Study

January 24, 2018
Authors: Mia Liisa van der Kop, Samuel Muhala, Patrick I. Nagide, Lehana Thabane, Lawrence Gelmon, Patricia Opondo Awiti, Bonface Abunah, Lennie Bazira Kyomuhangi, Matthew A. Budd, Carlo Marra, Anik Patel, Sarah Karanja, David I. Ojakaa, Edward J. Mills, Anna Mia Ekstrom, Richard Todd Lester
Organization: Elsevier Ltd.

Retention of patients in HIV care is incredibly important in the process of meeting the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, administering timely treatment, viral suppression, and to avoid AIDS-related deaths. The authors of this article conducted a randomized trial to conclude whether a text-messaging intervention improved retention during the first year of HIV care. The study was done at two clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. The participants were 18 years or older, HIV positive, had their own personal mobile phone or access to one, and were able to use simple text messaging.