The impact of short message service reminders or peer home visits on adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral load suppression among HIV-Infected adolescents in Cameroon: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral load suppression (VLS) constitute one of the key challenges to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially during adolescence. This trial aimed at assessing the impact of short message services (SMS) or peer home visi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | AIDS Research and Therapy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-025-00746-4 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral load suppression (VLS) constitute one of the key challenges to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially during adolescence. This trial aimed at assessing the impact of short message services (SMS) or peer home visits (PHV) on adherence to ART and VL suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) in Cameroon. Methods A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted from July 2018 to February 2019 at the Mother and Child Center of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde. Eligible ALWHIV (15–19 years), with a fully disclosed HIV status, with availability of phone and guardian’s consent, were randomly assigned to receive either daily SMS or bi-weekly PHV for a six-months period. The control-group received standard of care according to the national guidelines. Study investigators and participants were not blinded to the interventions group allocation, and no adverse events or side effects were observed. Adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the impact of interventions on outcomes. The study was approved by The Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry with PACTR201904582515723 at ( www.pactr.org ). Results Adherence to ART increased in the PHV (aRR: 4.3; 95% CI: 2.2–8.3; p < 0.001) and SMS (aRR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.1–5.3; p < 0.001) groups compared to the control-group. Likewise, VL suppression was higher in PHV (aRR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.9–7.5 p < 0.001) and SMS (aRR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.8–5.4; p < 0.001) groups compared to the control-group. Based on CI, both interventions showed similar benefits on improving adherence and VLS. Conclusions Among ALHIV, SMS or PHV contribute substantially to improving adherence and VL suppression among ALWHIV. Implementing such strategies would support efforts in eliminating pediatric AIDS in low- and middle-income countries. |
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| ISSN: | 1742-6405 |