Using a mobile application for antiretroviral therapy adherence in people living with HIV: A longitudinal pilot study

Abstract

Background: The success of HIV treatment hinges on consistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objectives: To conduct a longitudinal pilot study to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a mobile app to improve ART adherence. Method: This study included adults living with HIV and using ART, who were allocated into two groups according to their willingness to use the app: users of the mobile application for ART management (Mobile) and non-users (Control). The application was developed by the researchers, and uses an alarm system to record ART use. Adherence was also assessed using the ‘Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Adhesión al Tratamiento Antiretroviral’ (CEAT-VIH) and the Multi-Method Tool questionnaire. Another questionnaire was administered to application users to assess acceptability. After 90 days, all the questionnaires were reapplied. Results: A significant difference in adherence was observed between the Mobile and Control groups (P = 0.04), but there was no significant difference in time (P = 0.2) or interaction (P = 0.5). Conclusion: The application was not effective in improving ART adherence and showed low viability, but was considered acceptable among the participants.