Using Mobile Health (mHealth) to Improve STI Treatment Adherence Among Adolescents

Launched by CHILDREN'S NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · May 1, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how sending text messages can help young people stick to their treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Researchers believe that patients who receive supportive text messages will be 20% more likely to follow their treatment plan compared to those who don’t get any messages. The study is currently recruiting participants who are adolescents and have tested positive for these infections while visiting the Emergency Department.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be between the ages of 14 and 21, have been prescribed antibiotics for their STI, and should be able to understand English and use a cell phone with text messaging. If chosen to participate, they will receive either regular care or regular care plus helpful text messages about their treatment. This trial aims to make treatment easier and more effective for young people dealing with STIs, and it could provide valuable information on how technology can support health care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adolescent patients seen in the Emergency Department who test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease and are prescribed outpatient antibiotic treatment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients will be excluded if they are unable to understand English, are critically ill, have cognitive impairment or if they do not have access to a cellular telephone with text messaging capabilities.