We propose to develop and evaluate a computer-based intervention using cell phones to enhance adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and support of HIV transmission risk-reduction among adult HIV- positive patients in Peru. Adherence to ART is critical for treatment success at the individual level and to avoid the onset of resistant strains of HIV. In Peru, where ART has recently been introduced, adherence to HIV treatment has not yet beenjaddressed properly. Innovative approaches using information technologies such as cell phones are needed to increase adherence to ART for people with HIV/AIDS.
The specific aims of the study are to: 1) Conduct formative research to assess culturally-specific behavioral messages to be included in the computer-based system;2) Develop and test an interactive computer-based system using cell phones to enhance adherence to ART and to deliver HIV transmission risk reduction messages;3) Evaluate the impact of the system on antiretroviral adherence and sexual risk behaviors. To achieve these aims, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial of a 12-month intervention, comparing [1] standard-of- care (n=50) with [2] standard-of-care plus cell phone-based system (n=50) among patients receiving ART at Via Libre, a non-governmental organization established to help people with HIV. We will recruit 100 adults over 18 years old who are currently on ARTs and give consent. The patients will be recruited during a one- year study period and will be randomly assigned to receive either a cell phone-based system or the standard-of-care. Outcomes between the two groups will be monitored using monthly surveys (by phone or the Internet) to determine effects of the intervention on ART adherence and sexual risk behaviors. Self- reported medication adherence and adherence to clinic appointments;and self-reported HIV transmission risk behaviors will be the primary endpoints of interest;impact on HIV-1 viral load and CD4 count also will be assessed. The intervention group will receive: 1) Tailored reminders via their cell phones to take their ART and attend scheduled HIV clinic appointments;and 2) Tailored HIV transmission risk reduction messages via their cell phones. This pilot randomized-controlled trial will define the need and direction for larger evaluations of this cell phone-based system to assess impact on ART adherence and sexual behaviors of vulnerable populations living with HIV in resource-poor settings.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01TW007896-02
Application #
7495168
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ICP3-B (51))
Program Officer
Liu, Xingzhu
Project Start
2007-09-01
Project End
2011-08-31
Budget Start
2009-09-01
Budget End
2010-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$50,760
Indirect Cost
Name
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Department
Type
DUNS #
934798430
City
Lima
State
Country
Peru
Zip Code
LIMA -31
García, Patricia J; Egoavil, Miguel S; Blas, Magaly M et al. (2015) [Development and institutionalization of the first online certificate and Master Program of Biomedical Informatics in global health in Peru]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 32:356-60
Curioso, Walter H; Alvarado-Vásquez, Eduardo; Calderón-Anyosa, Renzo (2011) [Using Twitter to promote continuous education and health research in Peru]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 28:163-4
Curioso, Walter H; Kepka, Deanna; Cabello, Robinson et al. (2010) Understanding the facilitators and barriers of antiretroviral adherence in Peru: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 10:13
Arriola-Quiroz, Isaias; Curioso, Walter H; Cruz-Encarnacion, Maria et al. (2010) Characteristics and publication patterns of theses from a Peruvian medical school. Health Info Libr J 27:148-54
Curioso, Walter H; Roman, Hans; Perez-Lu, José et al. (2010) [Improving maternal health information systems: validation of electronic medical records in Callao, Peru]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 27:487-9
Curioso, Walter H; Fuller, Sherrilynne; Garcia, Patricia J et al. (2010) Ten years of international collaboration in biomedical informatics and beyond: the AMAUTA program in Peru. J Am Med Inform Assoc 17:477-80
Busse, Peter; Curioso, Walter H (2010) Internet use and the network composition of people living with HIV/AIDS in an urban area in Peru. AIDS Behav 14:1371-5
Curioso, Walter H; Mechael, Patricia N (2010) Enhancing 'M-health' with south-to-south collaborations. Health Aff (Millwood) 29:264-7
Curioso, Walter H; Quistberg, D Alex; Cabello, Robinson et al. (2009) ""It's time for your life"": How should we remind patients to take medicines using short text messages? AMIA Annu Symp Proc 2009:129-33
Kimball, Ann Marie; Curioso, Walter H; Arima, Yuzo et al. (2009) Developing capacity in health informatics in a resource poor setting: lessons from Peru. Hum Resour Health 7:80

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