Outcomes of Psychoeducation Combined with a Text Messaging Adherence Intervention in Individuals with Hypertension and Bipolar Disorder

Objective: This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of psychoeducation plus an automated text-messaging intervention (iTAB-CV) to improve adherence for antihypertensives and bipolar disorder medication. Methods: Following a psychoeducation program, iTAB-CV was administered for two months. In month one, participants received one educational/motivational and one mood rating text daily. In month two, medication reminders were added. Results: The sample (n=38) was 74% African-Americans, 53% women, with a mean age of 51.53±9.06. Antihypertensive non-adherence decreased from 43%±23% to 21%±26% at 12 weeks [χ2 = 34.6, df= 3, p< 0.001]. SBP decreased from 144.8±15.5 mmHg to 136.0±17.8 mmHg (χ2 = 17.6, df=3, p< 0.001). Retention was 100%. Conclusions: In this uncontrolled trial, participants were highly engaged and medication adherence and reduced SBP were sustained following psychoeducation plus iTAB-CV. Since iTAB-CV is automated and delivered remotely, it has potential to reach a large and challenging population. Address Correspondence to: Jennifer B. Levin, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 10524 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, Tel: 216-844-5057, Fax: 216-844-1703, Jennifer.levin@uhhospitals.org. All other others have no conflicts of interest to disclose. NCT Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02983877 HHS Public Access Author manuscript Psychiatr Serv. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2020 July 01. Published in final edited form as: Psychiatr Serv. 2019 July 01; 70(7): 608–612. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201800482. A uhor M anscript