Encouraging regular HIV retesting for adults at higher risk

Transformative approaches to rapidly and efficiently test demand creation interventions to promote HIV retesting in adults at increased risk of HIV

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11400628

This project uses low-cost behavioral 'nudges' adapted with local input to help adults at higher risk retest for HIV more often.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11400628 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will work with people in the community to design simple reminders, prompts, and incentives (‘nudges’) that address barriers like stigma, cost, and attention. They will adapt these nudges through participatory prototyping so the tools fit local needs. Then a large randomized field experiment will assign adults at higher risk to different nudges to see which approaches increase repeat HIV testing. The team will track who returns for retesting and whether nudges help link people to prevention (like PrEP) or treatment as needed.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults at increased risk of HIV (for example, sexually active adults in high-prevalence areas) who are due for repeat testing in the study regions.

Not a fit: People already living with HIV and stably on treatment, or individuals not at increased risk, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from these retesting interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could increase timely HIV retesting so people are diagnosed earlier and can start prevention or treatment sooner.

How similar studies have performed: Behavioral 'nudge' approaches have improved uptake of health services in other settings and some small HIV testing projects, but large multi-arm randomized trials focused on retesting are relatively new.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.