title: The Cameroon mobile phone SMS (CAMPS) trial: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial of mobile phone text messaging versus usual care for improving adherence to highly active anti-retroviral therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This trial aims at testing the efficacy of weekly reminder and motivational text messages, compared to usual care in improving adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment in patients attending a clinic in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial. A central computer generated randomization list will be generated using random block sizes. Allocation will be determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. 198 participants will either receive the mobile phone text message or usual care. Our hypothesis is that weekly motivational text messages can improve adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment and other clinical outcomes in the control group by acting as a reminder, a cue to action and opening communication channels. Data will be collected at baseline, three months and six months. A blinded program secretary will send out text messages and record delivery.Our primary outcomes are adherence measured by the visual analogue scale, self report, and pharmacy refill data. Our secondary outcomes are clinical: weight, body mass index, opportunistic infections, all cause mortality and retention; biological: Cluster Designation 4 count and viral load; and quality of life. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat. Covariates and subgroups will be taken into account.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This trial investigates the potential of SMS motivational reminders to improve adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment in Cameroon. The intervention targets non-adherence due to forgetfulness and other forms of non-adherence.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201011000261458 http://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01247181.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health(CDBPH), Yaoundé Central Hospital, Avenue Henri Dunant, Messa, PO Box 87, Yaoundé, Cameroon. mbuagbawl@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mbuagbaw
authors.forename: Lahana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thabane
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ongolo-Zogo
authors.forename: Richard T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Lester
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Volmink
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yondo
authors.forename: Marie José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Essi
authors.forename: Renée-Cecile
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Bonono-Momnougui
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mba
authors.forename: Jean Serge
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ndongo
authors.forename: Francois C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Nkoa
authors.forename: Henri Atangana
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Ondoa
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002163:Cameroon; D040421:Cell Phone; D003376:Counseling; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009042:Motivation; D011788:Quality of Life; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012107:Research Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents