Abstract:
Purpose:The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of frequency of text messaging onperceived self-efficacyfor treatmentamong people living with HIV/AIDS in Homa Bay County. Methodology:The study used a quasi-experimental design. Thisinvolveda control and an intervention group to assess the effect of the text messaging.Data was collected using an interview schedulefor participants and questionnaires for key informant interview. The study triangulatedquantitative and qualitative data.Results shared in this paper are for the intervention group. Spearman’s rho correlations and simple linear regression models were used to estimate the relationship between the independent variable (frequency of messages) and the dependent variable (self-efficacy), and ANOVA test was done to test the hypothesis and presented in tablesand graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and narratives are provided under each section in verbatim. Findings:The desired sample size for the intervention group was 317.Out which the study achieved 77.92 percent (n=247). Frequency of messages, did not yield a statisticallysignificant relationship onperceived self-efficacy for appointment adherence (p<0.52; CI=95per cent). However, receiving messages on a monthly basis had a significant but relatively week, inverse relationshipwith perceived self-efficacy (C= -0.181;p<0.02 ;< 0.05,).Qualitative findings established the messages were not boringUnique Contribution to Theory,Practice and Policy:Frequency of messages may depend on other factors such as typeand contentof messagesbeingsent. Individual characteristics such as the social environment, level of education and general interest of HIV information and ART adherencemay also influence the frequency of messages.Mobile interventionsshould ensurethat the right number of required messages issent to patients foroptimum utilization and achievement of the desired outcomes.
