Can a smartphone game help young HIV patients stay on track?

NCT ID NCT07115498

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Providence College Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested a text-message game called iTAG that uses points, a scoreboard, and motivational messages to encourage young people with HIV in Ghana to take their medication regularly. Twenty-one participants aged 18-24 received the game for 90 days. Researchers measured medication adherence and viral load before and after the intervention to see if the game was acceptable and could improve adherence.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: text-message game with point system and scoreboard
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a low-cost way to help young people with HIV take their medication regularly, improving their health and reducing virus spread.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 21 people, no control group, and no long-term follow-up. The results may not apply to other settings or populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HIV TREATMENT ADHERENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Kumasi, Ghana

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.