Improving STI treatment adherence in adolescents using mobile health
Official title: Leveraging Health Information Technology to Reduce Health Disparities in Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Patient-Centered Approach
Run by Children's National Research Institute · NCT04372485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 270 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04372485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents who test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease and are prescribed outpatient antibiotic treatment.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown that mobile health interventions can improve treatment adherence in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Children's National Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Monika Goyal — Children's National Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Meleah Boyle, MPH
- Email: mdboyle@childrensnational.org
- Phone: 202-476-5388
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.