Research Publication

Effectiveness of text messaging intervention for blood pressure control and medication adherence among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in India: Design and rationale of the SMS4BP randomized controlled trial

Dr. Imnameren Longkumer, is a Narotam Sekhsaria Fellow (2025) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health India Research Center. Dr. Imnameren is mentored by Professor S.V. Subramanian, Professor of Population Health and Geography, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

High blood pressure (BP) significantly increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Most adults with hypertension live in South Asia, yet only a small proportion have controlled BP. Patient focused strategies are needed to improve BP control. Although digital health interventions, such as text messaging, show promise, they remain underexplored in India. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention to reduce BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The study will be a prospective, randomized open label trial with blinded endpoint assessment (PROBE) among patients with uncontrolled hypertension recruited from a tertiary care public hospital setting in India. The novelty of the study lies in the use of text messages as a simple intervention for antihypertensive medication reminders and health education to reduce high BP. This approach has the potential to engage patients in a country with a high disease burden and significant mHealth potential.

Research publication such as this reflect the Harvard Chan India Research Center’s commitment to advancing public health research in India. Through initiatives such as the Narotam Sekhsaria Fellowship, the Center supports postdoctoral researchers in India in generating evidence that can inform public health policy and practice.