ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Optimal adherence is critical to achieve the benefits of antiretroviral treatment (ART). The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of mobile devices as a strategy to improve adherence to ART, measured by viral load (VL) in HIV+ patients less than 25 years of age. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in a cohort of HIV+ patients less than 25 years of age. HIV+ patients, on ART, VL >1000 copies/mL, using mobile devices and suboptimal adherence were included. The intervention was based on a mobile generic contact twice a month using text message and Facebook during 32 weeks. Extended communications were generated by the patient. VL was performed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. Three were excluded and 22 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 17.2 ± 6.1 years (range: 6-25); 15 (68%) were female; mean baseline VL was 25,100 copies/mL (range: 1020-500,000 copies/mL), mean log was 4.3 (range: 3-5.7 log). Each participant received a total of 16 contacts; 84% (296) were answered by the patient and 54% (189) of the contacts generated extended communications. After the strategy implementation, 20/22 VL results were available: 13/20 (65%) were undetectable, 14/20 (70%) had VL < 1000 copies/mL and 6/20 (30%) VLs had no changes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mobile devices and social networks is a valid tool to improve ART adherence in HIV+ pediatric and young adults, evaluated through VL. The strategy is feasible. The reminder messages trigger additional communications between patients and health provider and better engagement with HIV care. Longer follow-up time is needed.
Subject(s)
Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use , Behavior Therapy/methods , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Health Communication/methods , Medication Adherence , Text Messaging , Adolescent , Adult , Argentina , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Viral Load , Young AdultABSTRACT
En la actualidad, sabemos que los niños y púberes necesitan conocer sobre su salud o la de sus padres. No obstante, las familias afectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana suelen demorar la revelación del diagnóstico por miedo al estigma y la discriminación o simplemente porque se preguntan cuándo y cómo comunicarlo. Presentamos la experiencia de aplicar un programa destinado a "revelar" el diagnóstico de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana a niños, adolescentes y sus cuidadores. El objetivo fue describir y comprender el impacto del anuncio para colaborar en acciones que mejoraran la atención integral de las familias que vivían con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.
Children and adolescents need to know about their health or that of their parents. However, families affected by human immunodeficiency virus often delay disclosure of diagnosis for fear of stigma or discrimination or simply because they wonder when and how to communicate it. We present the experience of implementing a program to "reveal" the human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis to children, adolescents and caregivers. The aim was to describe and understand the impact of disclosure and to collaborate on actions to improve comprehensive care for families living with human immunodeficiency virus.
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Adolescent , Truth Disclosure , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Caregivers , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Children and adolescents need to know about their health or that of their parents. However, families affected by human immunodeficiency virus often delay disclosure of diagnosis for fear of stigma or discrimination or simply because they wonder when and how to communicate it. We present the experience of implementing a program to "reveal" the human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis to children, adolescents and caregivers. The aim was to describe and understand the impact of disclosure and to collaborate on actions to improve comprehensive care for families living with human immunodeficiency virus.
En la actualidad, sabemos que los niños y púberes necesitan conocer sobre su salud o la de sus padres. No obstante, las familias afectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana suelen demorar la revelación del diagnóstico por miedo al estigma y la discriminación o simplemente porque se preguntan cuándo y cómo comunicarlo. Presentamos la experiencia de aplicar un programa destinado a "revelar" el diagnóstico de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana a niños, adolescentes y sus cuidadores. El objetivo fue describir y comprender el impacto del anuncio para colaborar en acciones que mejoraran la atención integral de las familias que vivían con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.
