Using a chatbot to improve HIV knowledge in Nigeria
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and an Interview Study to Evaluate a Chatbot for People Living With HIV in Nigeria
NA · Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute · NCT06814041
This study is testing whether a chatbot can help adults newly diagnosed with HIV in Nigeria learn more about their condition and improve their health by providing information and support alongside regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 314 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ibadan, Oyo and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06814041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of an HIV chatbot designed to serve as an informational coach for adults newly diagnosed with HIV in Nigeria. Participants aged 18 to 45 will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard care and the other interacting with the chatbot alongside standard care. The chatbot will provide information on HIV topics, answer questions, and send reminders for medical appointments and medication schedules. The study will also assess the chatbot's impact on patients' resilience, psychological well-being, and viral load, while exploring gender differences in usage and perceptions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and have access to a smartphone with WhatsApp.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, postpartum within three months, or experiencing severe mental distress may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this chatbot could significantly enhance HIV knowledge and support for newly diagnosed patients, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of chatbots in healthcare is emerging, this specific approach targeting HIV knowledge in Nigeria is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with HIV * ART enrollment: at the day of recruitment or in the subsequent 7 days, but no longer than 4 weeks prior to enrolment in the study. * Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 45 years * Have a personal internet-enabled smartphone with WhatsApp installed * Carry the phone with them at the time of recruitment * Able to understand, read, and write in English (the official language in Nigeria) * Able to understand the information about the study * Provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Known pregnancy or ≤3 months postpartum * Persons with suicidal ideation and/or severe mental distress
Where this trial is running
Ibadan, Oyo and 2 other locations
- Infectious Disease Institute, (IDI) UCH — Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria (RECRUITING)
- Baptist Medical Centre — Saki, Oyo, Nigeria (RECRUITING)
- Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital — Ibadan, Nigeria (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christoph Pimmer, PhD
- Email: christoph.pimmer@swissph.ch
- Phone: +41774441873
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: HIV, Chatbot, Nigeria, HIV knowledge, gender