Feasibility of Lantern Using WhatsApp to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence

Abstract

This pilot study tested the feasibility of Lantern program, an adherence program to HIV medications using WhatsApp, a secure social media messaging application from Meta, for a smartphone-based platform to enhance medication-taking adherence of antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Indonesia. Thirty participants were recruited for this 8-week study. We recruited persons if they had taken antire- troviral therapy for at least 3 months prior to the study, had a smartphone, Internet access, and could use Lantern with WhatsApp. Here, we report the results from the focus group discussions, with the participants evaluating the qualitative aspects of the experiences. The WhatsApp platform was found to be safe, practical, and relatively inexpensive and provided confidentiality for the participants. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: the study motivated partic- ipants to take their antiretroviral therapy medications on time, they still set medication reminder alarms, and being in the study made them feel supported. The Lantern pro- gram indicated good feasibility and acceptability for adher- ence to antiretroviral therapies among people living with HIV. Future research should examine on how community or- ganizations and healthcare providers can take advantage of the WhatsApp program to improve adherence to antiretrovi- ral therapies.