Using Social Media to Improve ART Retention and Treatment Outcomes Among YLHIV in Nigeria (Y-SMART)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Human Immunodeficiency Virus focused on measuring HIV, Youth, Social support, Social media, Retention
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- HIV positive and know their status
- Actively on ART for less than 12 months, including newly initiating patients
- Age 15 to 24 years
- Can demonstrate basic literacy necessary to participate in online chats
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unable to attend the initial intervention group meeting for treatment participants
- Currently enrolled in another research study related to HIV service retention or ART adherence
- Critically or severely ill requiring hospitalization or such that the individual is unable to provide informed consent at the time of study recruitment
Sites / Locations
- FHI 360
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
SMART Connections
Control
The intervention components include: Informational messages that reflect the content of the structured group counseling curriculum and are posted to the Facebook group wall on a regular basis for approximately 4 to 5 months Moderated, closed group chats in a "secret" Facebook group where YLHIV can interact with their peers and with a trained support group facilitator Access to a trained facilitator via Facebook Messenger for the duration of the intervention who will be able to provide information or basic counseling on ART/HIV care related issues, with referral to health care services as needed
All study participants, in both study arms, will receive standard services currently available to YLHIV in these facilities and communities. The services currently include: routine clinical care for HIV treatment including laboratory testing (CD4, viral load tests); active case management by community volunteers with intensive adherence support during the first 4 weeks of ART; adherence support through phone calls and SMS (short messaging service) reminders; and enhanced adherence counseling for patients with unsuppressed viral loads.