Mobile app to boost HIV and STI testing among rural gay and bisexual men
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mobile HIV Prevention Application to Increase HIV and STI Testing and PrEP Initiation Among Rural Men Who Have Sex With Men
This study is testing a mobile app to see if it can help gay and bisexual men in rural areas get more HIV and STI tests and start using prevention methods like PrEP.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 464 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06205368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile app called Combine, designed to increase HIV and STI testing and PrEP initiation among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in rural southern United States. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group with app access only, a self-testing group with the ability to order self-test kits, a motivational interview group to enhance app usage, or a combination of self-testing and motivational interview. The study aims to assess the impact of these different strategies on engagement in HIV prevention over a 24-month period. The app was developed with input from the target population to address specific barriers they face, such as stigma and access to care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-negative or unknown serostatus men aged 18-45 who identify as male and reside in rural areas of the southern U.S.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently using PrEP or those unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly increase the rates of HIV and STI testing and PrEP initiation among rural GBMSM, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with app-based interventions for HIV prevention in urban settings, but this approach is novel for rural populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Assigned male at birth and currently identifies as male * Age 18-45 years, inclusive * Reside in the U.S. South as defined by the Census Bureau or in Missouri * Reside in a county classified as rural using the Index of Relative Rurality * Have an Android or iPhone operating system (iOS) phone with active service * Willing to download a study app to their phone * English speaker * Report anal sex with a man in the past 12 months * HIV-negative or unknown serostatus * Not currently using PrEP Exclusion criteria - Unable to provide consent
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeb Jones, PhD — Rollins School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Jeb Jones, PhD
- Email: jeb.jones@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-712-2275
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.