Mobile Phone-Based Antiretroviral Adherence Support in Vietnam: Feasibility, Patient's Preference, and Willingness-to-Pay

Feasibility of using mobile phone for antiretroviral treatment adherence support was assessed in a multi-site survey. Of 1,016 respondents, 84.5 % used mobile phones; 78.6 % found it effective for adherence aid, 44.8 % had privacy concerns, and 63.5 % expressed willingness-to-use the service. Willingness-to-pay was US$ 2.5/month. Text messaging (41.8 %) and direct calls by health workers (35.4 %) were preferred. Expressed preference for specific support service included direct counseling with physician (43.1 %), automated reminder for pills taking (29.1 %), regular information messages (21.3 %), and booking of clinic visits (16.5 %). These findings inform the design of adherence interventions using mobile phone in the Vietnamese setting.