Improving adherence to HIV prevention medication for men who have sex with men in South Africa
The Role of Cognitive Biases in the Decision to Request, Offer, Accept and Continue on PrEP From a Health Care Provider and Patient Perspective (Men Who Have Sex With Men)
This study is testing a new way to help men who have sex with men in South Africa stick to their HIV prevention medication by using reminders and planning tools to see if it makes a difference.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Boston University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06476847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a behavioral economics-informed intervention aimed at increasing persistence on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa. Participants will be randomized to receive either standard care or an intervention package that includes reminders, commitment pledges, and planning prompts to enhance their adherence to PrEP. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this approach in a routine healthcare setting, with the ultimate goal of informing a larger effectiveness trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men who have sex with men, are initiating PrEP, and have not used PrEP in the past 12 months.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently on PrEP or have used it within the last year may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve adherence to PrEP, thereby reducing the incidence of HIV infections among MSM.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral economics strategies to improve medication adherence, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Not currently on pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); no PrEP within the last 12 months * Initiating PrEP on the date of enrolment * Access to a mobile phone * Willing and able to provide written informed consent in English Exclusion Criteria: * PrEP status unknown * Previous PrEP experience within the last year (12 months from enrolment)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations
- Boston Univeristy School ofPublic Health, Global Health — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- The Aurum POP INN Clinic — Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa (Recruiting)
- The Ivan Tom's Centre for Men's Health — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lawrence C Long, PhD MCom — Boston University School of Public Health,Global Health
- Study coordinator: Lawrence C Long, PhD MCom
- Email: lclong@bu.edu
- Phone: 617 358 3122
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.