VITAL Start: Video-Based Intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life—Pilot of a Novel Video-Based Approach to HIV Counseling for Pregnant Women Living with HIV
This research examines the role of video as an educational tool to increase the adherence to HIV Treatment for pregnant women in Malawi. This study observes an approach which shares structural similarities to illuminAid’s video intervention, particularly in community health education contexts.
illuminAid has no authorship for this publication and takes no ownership over the subject of this study’s research. Please see citation below.
Abstract
We developed and piloted a video-based intervention targeting HIV-positive pregnant women to optimize antiretroviral therapy (ART) retention and adherence by providing a VITAL Start (Video-intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life) before ART. VITAL Start (VS) was grounded in behavior-determinant models and developed through an iterative multi-stakeholder process. Of 306 pregnant women eligible for ART, 160 were randomized to standard of care (SOC), 146 to VS and followed for one-month. Of those assigned to VS, 100% completed video-viewing; 96.5% reported they would recommend VS. Of 11 health workers interviewed, 82% preferred VS over SOC; 91% found VS more time-efficient. Compared to SOC, VS group had greater change in HIV/ART knowledge (p < 0.01), trend towards being more likely to start ART (p = 0.07), and better self-reported adherence (p = 0.02). There were no significant group differences in 1-month retention and pharmacy pill count. VITAL Start was highly acceptable, feasible, with promising benefits to ART adherence.Citation
Kim, M.H., Ahmed, S., Tembo, T. et al. VITAL Start: Video-Based Intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life—Pilot of a Novel Video-Based Approach to HIV Counseling for Pregnant Women Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 23, 3140–3151 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-019-02634-1
Images from a similar 2017 illuminAid project with World Vision Papua New Guinea which leveraged community-led video to increase the adherence of TB patients to a long-term treatment protocol among remote populations in Daru Island, Papua New Guinea.