Structured PREreview of Effect of Behaviourally Informed Text Messages to Promote Retention in HIV Care: A Randomized Trial in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa

Does the introduction explain the objective of the research presented in the preprint?

Yes

The introduction states "We examined whether mobile phone-based text messages that leveraged behavioural science principles promoted timely clinic attendance among ART recipients" which clearly explains what the objective is.

Are the methods well-suited for this research?

Somewhat appropriate

They did not have a control who received no text messages to compare to for the randomized control trials.

Are the conclusions supported by the data?

Somewhat supported

It was concluded that the reminder messages did not increase timely clinic visits but among those who recently started ART, loss aversion framing increased timely visits. I feel that this is somewhat supported as they don't have a control that received no text messages which makes it hard to really know if these results make an actual difference.

Are the data presentations, including visualizations, well-suited to represent the data?

Somewhat appropriate and clear

The table at the end of the preprint nicely summarizes the results. However, the data analysis section could've been more detailed

How clearly do the authors discuss, explain, and interpret their findings and potential next steps for the research?

Very clearly

They provided detailed explanations for their results.

Is the preprint likely to advance academic knowledge?

Moderately likely

This preprint is a start as it does show how applying behavioral science principles can influence the way healthcare is delivered. However, the limitations make the results a bit weak which makes it not as reliable.

Would it benefit from language editing?

No

Would you recommend this preprint to others?

Yes, but it needs to be improved

Is it ready for attention from an editor, publisher or broader audience?

Yes, after minor changes

Competing interests

The author declares that they have no competing interests.