SMS support to improve PrEP adherence for pregnant women

mWACh-PrEP: A SMS-based Support Intervention to Enhance PrEP Adherence During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT04472884

This study tests whether sending supportive text messages can help pregnant women stay on their HIV prevention medication, PrEP, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Kisumu and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04472884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to enhance adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative pregnant women in high-prevalence regions. The study utilizes an SMS-based communication platform, mWACh, to deliver tailored messages that encourage adherence to PrEP during pregnancy and breastfeeding. By targeting women who have initiated PrEP, the study seeks to address the high discontinuation rates observed in this population. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through a randomized trial comparing the SMS intervention to standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 18 and older, between 24-32 weeks of gestation, who are HIV negative and have a high risk score for HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who do not plan to remain in the study area for at least one year or lack access to mobile phones may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve PrEP adherence among pregnant women, reducing their risk of HIV and preventing mother-to-child transmission.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with SMS interventions for improving PrEP adherence, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women presenting for routine antenatal care (ANC) who are:
* ≥18 years old
* 24-32 weeks gestation
* No documented tuberculosis infection
* HIV negative (based on ANC HIV testing)
* Plan to reside in area for at least one year postpartum
* Plan to receive antenatal, postnatal, and infant care at study facility
* Initiated PrEP during routine ANC
* Have an HIV risk score \>6 (based on Pintye et al 2017).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Do not plan to remain in the study site catchment area for at least 1 year
* Do not have mobile phones.

Where this trial is running

Kisumu and 3 other locations

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 HIV InfectionsPregnancy RelatedAdherence, Medicationpre-exposure prophylaxisHIV preventionPrEP
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.