title: Promoting adherence to treatment for latent TB infection through mobile phone text messaging: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An estimated two billion people, over one third of the world's population, have latent infection withMycobacterium tuberculosis(LTBI). Patient adherence to LTBI treatment is currently poor given that individuals show no symptoms of illness and may not feel that they are at risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). Short text messages can serve as a simple reminder to take medications and address barriers to adherence such as forgetfulness and lack of social support.
  
  
  METHODS
  We aim to determine the feasibility and acceptability of text reminders for improving adherence in latent TB patients using a randomized controlled single-blinded trial, measuring adherence through an increase in treatment completion rates. Forty adult LTBI participants will be randomized to either text messages plus phone call reminders or phone call reminders only (usual care). Recruitment, retention, and study acceptability will be assessed as primary outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study will examine the feasibility of using text messaging for increasing adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection. The study will allow for evaluation of process measures and challenges and development of a model for scaling up an effectiveness trial for increasing treatment adherence.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT02690818 (Clinical Trials.gov).
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.|Asthma and Airways Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA.
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7817-3516
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oren
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.
authors.forename: Melanie L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.|Pima County Health Department, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: Pima County Health Department, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perez-Velez
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.|Asthma and Airways Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA.
authors.forename: Lynn B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Gerald
keywords: Latent tuberculosis infection; Text messages; Treatment adherence