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Acceptability and Retention Outcomes of Mobile HIV Clinics Supported by SMS Reminders in Kogi State

Mary O. Onoja-Alexander¹,*Ikemefuna N. Onyeyili¹, Shaibu Ejoga², Alexandra O. Onoja³, Alexander I. Onoja⁴, Blessing O. Okechukwu²

¹Department of Community Medicine, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

²Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ³Department of Paediatrics, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria ⁴College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Nigeria

Corresponding author: mary.onoja-alexander@fulokoja.edu.ng

Received: 20 January 2026 | Accepted: 25 February 2026 | Published: 1 March 2026

How to cite: Onoja-Alexander, M. O., Onyeyili, I. N., Ejoga, S., Onoja, A. O., Onoja, A. I., & Okechukwu, B. O. (2026).

Acceptability and Retention Outcomes of Mobile HIV Clinics Supported by SMS Reminders in Kogi State. International Journal of Scholarly Resources, ISSN: 1234-5678.

Abstract

Mobile health clinics represent a promising differentiated service delivery approach for reaching underserved populations with HIV services, yet evidence on their acceptability and ability to retain clients in care remains limited in rural Nigerian settings. We conducted a six-month quasi-experimental study evaluating a mobile HIV clinic intervention supported by SMS reminders in 32 rural communities across six Local Government Areas in Kogi State, Nigeria (June-November 2025). Two mobile vans provided integrated HIV testing, same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and follow-up care. Of 312 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, 296 (94.9%) initiated ART. Client satisfaction was assessed through 1,200 exit interviews, and retention was tracked at six months. Among ART initiators, 257 (86.8%) remained in care at six months. Retention was significantly higher among those who opted into SMS reminders (89.4%) compared to those who declined (79.6%; p=0.009). Client satisfaction was exceptionally high, with 92.8% rating services as excellent or very good. Key drivers of satisfaction included convenience (87.3%), confidentiality (76.8%), and respectful staff attitudes (71.2%). Of retained clients tested at six months, 95.0% achieved viral suppression. Clients cited elimination of travel barriers, same-day service provision, and integration with general healthcare as primary advantages. Mobile clinics demonstrated high acceptability and achieved retention rates exceeding typical rural Nigerian outcomes. SMS reminders significantly enhanced retention, suggesting mHealth tools can strengthen community-based HIV service delivery. This model offers a feasible, acceptable approach for differentiated service delivery in hard-to-reach rural populations.

Keywords: Mobile health clinics, HIV, retention in care, SMS reminders, differentiated service delivery, rural Nigeria, acceptability, viral suppression

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