For people living with HIV, self-reporting on substance use and antiretroviral therapy adherence could be a struggle. Researchers at New York's University of Buffalo developed an app to make this process easier for both the participant and researchers.

The study used 26 participants, with each participant trained to use an app where they would receive a daily text reminding them to fill out a report on alcohol or drug use along with their adherence to their medications.

"Reporting was actually high—we had 95 percent compliance with daily report completion. A key finding of our study was the ability for people living with HIV to feel comfortable reporting on sensitive health behaviors," said Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD, MPH, the study's lead author and clinical assistant professor of community health and health behavior at University of Buffalo.

Sample questions included “Did you take your first dose?” If the participant answered yes to questions regarding substance use, the app prompted further follow-up questions such as "Why did you use the substance?” and “Where were you when you used it?"

Researchers noticed the app helped participants find a routine that increased overall medication adherence with the daily reminders to regularly take medication.

"Life expectancy has changed dramatically as a result of advances in pharmacotherapy, which is wonderful, but adherence is key. You can live a long, healthy life with HIV, but you have to take your meds," said Przybyla. "Now that we have this data, we can reach out to people with HIV and say, 'We've noticed you've been using substances and that seems to be related to the fact that you've missed your doses—what can we do to help you?' It's putting prevention in their pockets."