Using text messages to help HIV-positive men in Peru stay in care
Official title: A mobile phone short message service intervention to increase retention in HIV care among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Peru (WelTel Peru)
Funded at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia · NIH-10896079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly text messaging system to help HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Peru remember their doctor appointments and stick to their treatment plans, comparing it to regular care to see which works better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lima, Peru) |
| Project start | August 17, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,812 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW011428-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive men who have sex with men and are receiving care at a government hospital in Peru.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not HIV-positive or those who do not have access to mobile phones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the retention of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in healthcare by using a two-way text messaging system. Participants will receive reminders and support through SMS to encourage them to attend their medical appointments and adhere to their treatment plans. The study will compare the effectiveness of this SMS intervention against standard care practices in a government hospital in Peru. By providing real-time communication and support, the research seeks to enhance patient engagement in HIV care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health outcomes of HIV-positive MSM by increasing their retention in care and promoting better adherence to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that SMS reminders can effectively improve adherence and retention in care among MSM, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Lima, Peru Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menacho Alvirio, Luis Alberto — Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
- Study coordinator: Menacho Alvirio, Luis Alberto
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.