Text messaging program for HIV prevention in young men who have sex with men
Harnessing the Power of Text Messaging to Reduce HIV Incidence in Adolescent Males Across the United States
NA · Center for Innovative Public Health Research · NCT06230367
This study is testing if a text messaging program can help young men who have sex with men, aged 13-20, prevent HIV by sending them specific health messages.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 5000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Center for Innovative Public Health Research (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Clemente, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06230367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
SHAG is a text messaging-based program aimed at preventing HIV among cisgender sexual minority boys and men aged 13-20 in the United States. Participants will receive targeted sexual health advocacy messages, while a control group will receive general healthy lifestyle messages. The program will recruit participants online and assess its effectiveness by measuring HIV incidence, STI testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. The study aims to leverage technology to engage young individuals in their sexual health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cisgender males aged 13-20 who have had anal sex in the past year and have access to a cell phone with unlimited texting.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as cisgender males or who are outside the age range of 13-22 may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce HIV incidence among young men who have sex with men.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing text messaging for health interventions have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. have been assigned male sex at birth and currently have a cisgender identity; 2. be aged 13-22 years old; 3. have had anal sex in the past 12 months; 4. be English-speaking; 5. exclusively own a cell phone with an unlimited text messaging plan and intend to have the same cell phone number for the next 6 months; 6. have Internet access to complete online surveys; 7. provide informed assent for those under 18, and consent for those 18 years of age and older, including a capacity to consent and a positive self-safety assessment; 8. Willing to take an OraQuick home test to confirm HIV negativity for youth who are 19-20 years of age or 18 years old and graduated high school. If they agree to do the test but do not upload a photo of their result, they will be eligible if they self-report a negative sero-status. Youth 18 years old who have not graduated high school, and 13-17 years of age will be asked to take a home test. If they determine that they cannot do so safely, they will be allowed to self-report their sero-status; and 9. not currently enrolled in another HIV prevention program; or 10. know anyone already enrolled in the RCT. Exclusion Criteria: * Being HIV positive
Where this trial is running
San Clemente, California and 1 other locations
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research — San Clemente, California, United States (RECRUITING)
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research — San Clemente, California, United States (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: HIV Infections