Chatbot-based program to cut chemsex and HIV-related risk in men who have sex with men
Official title: A Chatbot to Reduce Chemsex and HIV-related Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT07472582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A chatbot-delivered, stage‑of‑change tailored program is being tested to see if it can reduce chemsex among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07472582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Hong Kong-based men who have sex with men, are 18+, Cantonese-speaking, have had anal sex with at least one man in the past six months, have WhatsApp access, and are willing to participate in follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants not engaging in chemsex or not receptive to digital interventions may see limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a chatbot-led intervention to a control condition in which participants watch weekly online videos about chemsex and harm reduction for 12 weeks. Participants are Hong Kong men who have sex with men, 18 or older, who meet the inclusion criteria and have WhatsApp access. The intervention group receives 12 weekly chatbot episodes tailored to their current stage of change, plus access to the chatbot for questions during the 12-week period, while the control group views one educational video per week. Outcomes focus on changes in chemsex-related behaviors over the study period. The lead sponsor is the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with assessments conducted at the Centre for Health Behaviours Research and JC School of Public Health and Primary Care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce chemsex and related HIV-risk behaviors in this group.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with stage-of-change approaches and digital health tools has shown promise in behavior change contexts, but results for chemsex reduction are not yet consistent.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hong Kong men aged at least 18 years * Able to understand Cantonese * Had anal intercourse with at least one man within the past six months * Willingness to provide contact information for follow-up * Having access to WhatsApp Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Where it's running
-
Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zixin Wang, PhD
- Email: wangzx@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 22528474
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.