Confidential text-message referrals to encourage HIV testing
Confidential social network referrals for HIV testing (CONSORT)
This project uses private automated text messages to encourage people in Tanzania, especially those at higher risk, to get HIV testing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11392074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or someone in your social network could receive a confidential automated SMS inviting you to book an HIV test and linking to local clinics. The system uses an open-source mobile platform (mParis) to send referrals, appointment reminders, and small incentives through existing HIV counseling and testing centers in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. The research team will work with local providers to track whether referrals lead to testing and connection to care. The study will also measure how acceptable the messages are to people and whether the approach is cost-effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania who have not recently tested for HIV, are at higher risk, and can receive SMS messages are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without access to a mobile phone, those living outside the Kilimanjaro study area, or people who already know their HIV-positive status are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more people learn their HIV status sooner and get linked to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Other mobile health and partner-referral programs have shown promise in increasing HIV testing, but confidential automated SMS referrals are less widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of South Carolina at Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ostermann, Jan — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Ostermann, Jan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.