This study explored the experiences and perceptions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who received text-message reminders to support adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Forty-five uninsured and underinsured adults living with HIV who were part of the intervention arm of a larger study received daily, automated one-way SMS medication reminders for six months. Participants were interviewed face-to-face about what they liked, disliked, and would change about receiving the reminders, and their responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three main themes emerged: text-message reminders helped participants with medication adherence, participants had concerns about how and when messages were delivered, and confidentiality was particularly important. Participants appreciated that the messages reminded them to take their medication without revealing their HIV status, while some expressed a preference for more personalized content and consistent delivery. The findings suggest that SMS medication reminders can provide a convenient and acceptable form of adherence support for people living with HIV, while highlighting the importance of privacy, personalization, and delivery preferences when designing text-based health interventions.
Publications
August 19, 2026