Recent mHealth interventions to support medication adherence among HIV-positive men who have sex with men

Abstract

Purpose of Review

We describe recent mHealth interventions supporting antiretroviral (ART) medication adherence among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).

Recent Findings

Keyword searches (1/1/2016 to 5/13/2017) identified 721 citations. Seven publications reporting on six studies met inclusion criteria. Five studies focused on MSM. Interventions primarily employed text messaging (n=4), while two focused on smartphone apps and one on social media. Three studies measured intervention impact on adherence and found increased ART use intentions (n=1), self-reported adherence (n=1), and viral suppression (n=1, no control group). Other mHealth interventions for HIV-positive MSM focused on status disclosure and reducing sexual risk.

Summary

mHealth interventions to support ART adherence among MSM show acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy. No recent mHealth interventions for MSM measured impact on viral suppression compared to a control condition despite earlier (pre-2015) evidence for efficacy. Studies are underway that include multiple features designed to improve adherence within complex smartphone or internet-based platforms. Areas for future growth include overcoming measurement and engagement challenges, developing tools for coordinating patient and provider adherence data, testing combination interventions, and adapting efficacious interventions for new languages and geographic settings.