Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): The role of digital health in supporting HIV-positive patients

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to prevent the progression of HIV and improve patients' quality of life. However, maintaining therapeutic adherence above 95% remains a significant challenge for many patients. In this context, digital health emerges as an innovative and promising solution. By leveraging technologies such as mobile health (mHealth) applications, phone call reminders, and e-learning platforms, digital health provides effective tools to foster self-management and improve therapeutic adherence.  

This study explores the impact of these technological interventions on supporting patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Digital Health: A key to improving ART adherence in HIV-positive patients?

A total of 55 randomized controlled trials involving 15,311 participants were analyzed. The study evaluated the effectiveness of various digital health technologies, including mHealth, phone calls, e-learning, personal health records (PHRs), and telehealth.

The results demonstrate that mHealth and mobile applications showed the most significant outcomes in terms of treatment adherence and viral load reduction. Phone calls and e-learning also proved effective, though their impact was moderate. However, tools like PHRs and telehealth require further studies to confirm their effectiveness. Of the 66 adherence comparisons analyzed, 36 yielded significant results, as did 10 of the 21 viral load measures.

A promising future for digital health technologies

The findings confirm that digital technologies represent a promising advancement in maximizing adherence to ART and transforming care for HIV-positive patients. However, further research is crucial to strengthen existing evidence, promote broader adoption of these tools, and optimize the support for individuals with chronic conditions. Combining strategies, such as mHealth and e-learning, could amplify their effectiveness and provide tailored solutions to meet patients' needs.