Randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of an electronic intervention for HIV medication adherence

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

Widespread dissemination of current efficacious interventions designed to improve HIV medication adherence is limited by several barriers including additional time and expense burdens on the health care systems. Electronic interventions could overcome these barriers and aid in dissemination of an efficacious intervention in the clinic setting. This study developed a computer-based intervention based upon a known efficacious intervention and tested the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of this program. Methods. HIV+ men and women (N=92) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with self-reported adherence <95% were randomized to intervention or treatment as usual. The primary outcomes were self-reported ART adherence and self-efficacy.

Findings and Conclusions:

Participants in the intervention condition reported higher levels of self-efficacy at follow-up compared to the control condition. Although nonsignificant, trends were identified in improved levels of adherence over time in the intervention condition, while TAU adherence remained constant. Conclusions. This was the first study to investigate a single-session computer-based adherence intervention. Results suggest that electronic interventions are feasible and this method may be effective at increasing self-efficacy and adherence levels.