Improving STI treatment adherence in adolescents using mobile health

Leveraging Health Information Technology to Reduce Health Disparities in Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Patient-Centered Approach

Not applicable Interventional Children's National Research Institute · NCT04372485

This study is testing if sending text message reminders can help teenagers stick to their treatment for sexually transmitted infections better than usual care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's National Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT04372485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two-way text messaging in enhancing adherence to treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either text message reminders or standard care without messaging. The study hypothesizes that those receiving text messages will show a 20% increase in adherence to prescribed antibiotic treatments for conditions like gonorrhea and chlamydia. The trial will take place at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents who test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease and are prescribed outpatient antibiotic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are critically ill, have cognitive impairments, or lack access to a cellular phone with text messaging capabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment adherence and health outcomes for adolescents with STIs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that mobile health interventions can improve treatment adherence in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.