Using a mobile app to help high-risk men in China test for HIV and access care
Mobile Health Intervention to Increase HIV Self Testing and Linkage to Services for High-Risk Men in China
This study is testing a new mobile health program called 'WeTest-WeLink' that helps high-risk men in China easily access HIV self-testing and connect with healthcare services using the WeChat app, making it more comfortable for them to manage their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health intervention called 'WeTest-WeLink' to improve HIV self-testing and linkage to care among high-risk men in China. The intervention utilizes the WeChat app to provide health information, facilitate communication, and support users in managing their health. By employing a user-centered design and guided by established behavioral theories, the project aims to enhance the uptake of repeat HIV self-testing and reduce stigma associated with HIV. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial across multiple sites to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and gather qualitative insights for future scalability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are high-risk men who are living in China and may benefit from increased access to HIV testing and care services.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at high risk for HIV or those who do not reside in China may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rates of HIV self-testing and access to care for high-risk populations, ultimately improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with mobile health interventions targeting HIV testing and care linkage, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Operario, Don — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Operario, Don
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.