The Impact of Digital Health Interventions on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence among Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa                                                                            

Odile Patrick Thalia

Faculty of Biological Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for managing HIV, yet adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face significant challenges in maintaining consistent treatment due to developmental, social, and structural barriers. Digital health interventions (DHIs), including SMS reminders, mobile applications, telemedicine, and remote monitoring tools, have emerged as promising solutions to improve ART adherence in this vulnerable population. Leveraging the widespread penetration of mobile phones and increasing internet access across SSA, DHIs offer personalized, accessible, and cost-effective support to address key barriers such as forgetfulness, stigma, and limited healthcare access. This review synthesizes evidence on digital health interventions’ impact on ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, evaluating SMS reminders, mobile apps, telemedicine, peer support, and remote monitoring tools. Studies demonstrate that SMS reminders enhance adherence rates, mobile apps empower adolescents with self-management tools, and telemedicine bridges gaps in healthcare access. Peer support networks foster community and reduce isolation, while remote monitoring enables proactive intervention. However, challenges such as the digital divide, privacy concerns, and the need for healthcare provider integration remain. This review highlighted the potential of DHIs to improve ART adherence among adolescents in SSA, emphasizing the importance of context-specific, culturally appropriate interventions and addressing systemic barriers to digital access. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, scalability, and strategies to maximize the benefits of digital health technologies in advancing HIV care for adolescents in the region.

Keywords: Digital Health Interventions (DHIs), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence, Adolescents Living with HIV, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications.

CITE AS: Odile Patrick Thalia (2025). The Impact of Digital Health Interventions on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence among Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY 4(1): 51-55. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJPP/2025/415155