IBIS interventions to encourage HIV retesting in Kenya and Uganda
Official title: Transformative Approaches to Rapidly and Efficiently Test Demand Creation Interventions to Promote HIV Retesting in Adults at Increased Risk of HIV
Run by University of California, San Francisco · NCT06971367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether up to 12 low-cost behavioral 'nudge' messages can increase repeat HIV testing among people aged 15 and older at higher risk in rural Kenya and Uganda.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Mbita and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06971367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 15 or older who are accessing HIV testing at study-affiliated clinics in the target regions, are HIV-antibody negative but at increased risk per national criteria, plan to remain in the community for at least three months, and have daily access to a mobile phone.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are already HIV-positive, who do not meet the increased-risk criteria, who lack daily mobile phone access, or who plan to leave the community within three months are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit from the interventions as tested.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study will randomize 30,000–40,000 adults across eight HIV testing sites in southwestern Uganda and western Kenya to receive one of up to 12 low-cost behavioral interventions delivered with end-user input, including risk-assessment, U=U, community-benefit, fresh-start, and education messages. Participants must be HIV-antibody negative at enrollment, at least 15 years old, meet national definitions of increased HIV risk, and have daily access to a mobile phone for some message delivery. The primary outcome is documented HIV retesting within 3–6 months, with arms compared to identify which messages increase repeat testing and for which subgroups. Collected data will also be used to understand heterogeneity of effects and inform scale-up of effective low-cost approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost messages could increase timely repeat HIV testing, leading to earlier diagnosis and reduced onward transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Behavioral 'nudge' and messaging interventions have improved some preventive health behaviors and screening uptake, but using a large-scale megastudy to compare many messages for HIV retesting in this setting is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * at least 15 years of age * Accessing HIV testing services at study-associated hospitals or clinics * At increased risk of HIV infection (defined by national (Kenya or Uganda) MoH criteria) * Documented negative HIV antibody test at time of enrollment * No intent to migrate out of community in next 3 months * Daily access to a mobile phone (required since some of the interventions will be delivered by phone) Exclusion Criteria: * HIV-positive at time of enrollment
Where it's running
-
Kenya Medical Research Institution (KEMRI)
Mbita, Kenya Recruiting -
Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC)
Mbarara, Uganda Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gabriel Chamie, MD, MPH — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kara Marson, MPH
- Email: kara.marson@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 650-346-5774
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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.