Recruiting

Text messages to prevent malnutrition in HIV-exposed children in Kenya

Plain-English translation of NCT06842732 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 ·

What is this trial?

This study is testing a two-way text messaging system called MAMMS-IYCF designed to help prevent malnutrition in young children living with or exposed to HIV. If you're in the text messaging group, you'll receive weekly health tips about feeding your child and simple instructions to measure your child's arm using a special tape, then text back the color result to your clinic. If the measurements suggest your child is malnourished, the clinic will ask you to bring them in for care.

Malnutrition is a serious problem for young children with or exposed to HIV in Kenya, and families often don't catch it early enough to prevent serious harm. This trial is testing whether regular text reminders and home measurements can help parents spot malnutrition sooner and get their children treated faster.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your child is between 6 and 24 months old
your child is living with HIV or was exposed to HIV and attends an HIV clinic
your child does not have moderate or severe malnutrition at the time of enrollment
you have a working Safaricom mobile phone and can receive text messages
you can read and write, or have someone to help you read and write
you plan to stay in the area for at least 6 months and can return for follow-up visits

You likely don't qualify if…

your child already has moderate or severe malnutrition
your child has a birth defect or condition that affects feeding
you are under 18 years old
your child is enrolled in another nutrition or HIV study
you cannot learn to measure your child's arm correctly with the measurement tape

What participation looks like

At the start, a study clinician will measure your child and teach you how to use a special tape to measure your child's upper arm at home. If randomly assigned to the text messaging group, you'll receive weekly text messages with nutrition tips and reminders to measure your child's arm and text back the color result. You'll have follow-up visits at 6 months, and if your measurements ever suggest your child is malnourished, the clinic will ask you to bring them in right away for confirmation and treatment if needed.

Text messages to prevent malnutrition in HIV-exposed children in Kenya

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)