Using interactive SMS support groups to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa
A Qualitative Analysis of Social and Psychological Benefits
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2989623 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cindy A Crusto (0000-0003-3300-3040, University of Southern California, corresponding author), Samantha Pittenger, Samantha L Pittenger (Yale University), Jessica Costeines (Yale University), Ndidiamaka N Amutah-Onukagha (0000-0003-1194-9927, Tufts University), Alfred Kydd (0009-0007-8868-7650, Mental Health Research UK), Maretha Visser (0000-0002-2830-7050, University of Pretoria), Thu Do (Gilead Sciences (United Kingdom)), Andrea Dean (0000-0002-8522-0234, Baylor College of Medicine), Brian Forsyth (0000-0001-5562-2032, Yale University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 1989323-1989323 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-31 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | SAHARA-J Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1729-0376 • E-ISSN: 1813-4424 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/17290376.2021.1989323 |
| PMID | 40844645 |
| OpenAlex | W4413427950 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 27 |
Although advances have been made in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, social and psychological factors associated with learning of an HIV diagnosis and living with HIV during pregnancy can impact medication adherence and health outcomes. Mobile technology can increase social support; however, it is unclear if such technology can be used to provide social support to reduce negative psychological outcomes. This study analysed the feasibility of conducting a multi-way interactive SMS-based support group with HIV-positive women in the PMTCT programme in clinics of Tshwane, South Africa. We studied the types of social support women received through using this mobile technology to address personal, interpersonal and social barriers to PMTCT adherence. We analysed the social and psychological content of SMS messages sent between seven HIV-positive pregnant women participating in a 12-week interactive support group. We conducted a qualitative, thematic analysis of the 734 text messages. Five social/psychological themes emerged: appraisal and emotional support, informational support, spiritual support, acceptance and disclosure of HIV status, and gratefulness for the support group, suggesting benefits of the interactive SMS-based support group. This interactive support model can provide social support and information to pregnant women living with HIV, leading to a reduction in isolation and negative psychological outcomes which could promote positive health outcomes
Interpersonal communication · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Social support · Support group · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Psychology · Social Psychology
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Using interactive SMS support groups to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |