Harnessing the Power of Text Messaging to Reduce HIV Incidence in Adolescent Males Across the United States
Center for Innovative Public Health Research
Summary
SHAG is a text messaging-based HIV prevention program designed for cisgender sexual minority boys and men 13-20 years of age across the United States. Investigators will test it against a control group that receives messages about healthy lifestyle.
Description
SHAG is a text messaging-based HIV prevention program designed for cisgender sexual minority boys and men 13-20 years of age across the United States. Investigators will test it against a control group that receives messages about healthy lifestyle. Harnessing the power of technology, young people will be recruited online and largely enrolled digitally. The main outcome of interest is HIV incidence. The impact of the intervention on STI testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will also be examined.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13–22 years
- Sex
- Male
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
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…
Interventions
- BehavioralSexual health advocacy for guys
5 month HIV prevention program delivered via text messaging
- BehavioralHealthy lifestyle control
5 month control group program delivered via text messaging
Locations (2)
- Center for Innovative Public Health ResearchSan Clemente, California
- Center for Innovative Public Health ResearchSan Clemente, California