Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: HIV
• Interventions: Behavioral: CONSORT referrals; Behavioral: Card referrals

• Registration Number: NCT05967208
• Lead Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Brief Summary

Despite worldwide efforts to promote HIV testing, rates of testing remain low. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of confidential SMS-based social network referrals for HIV testing as a means of reaching high-risk individuals and prompting them to test for HIV. To accomplish this purpose, the study has 5 specific aims:

Aim 1 will conduct qualitative, formative work to identify desirable provider- and client-side characteristics of a confidential SMS-based HIV testing referral system.

Aim 2 will adapt an existing mHealth system (mParis) to add CONSORT functionality.

Aim 3 will pilot-test the CONSORT system to collect preliminary data on the system's acceptability, performance, and potential efficacy.

Aim 4 will evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of CONSORT in a randomized controlled trial.

Aim 5 will evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of CONSORT vs. other referral options.

If CONSORT is shown to be acceptable, effective, and cost-effective, such mobile-phone supported, chain-referral methods could greatly improve the cost-effectiveness of HIV testing efforts.

Detailed Description

No additional detail available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-01-26
• Status Verified: 2023-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-07-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-07-25
• Study First Posted: 2023-08-01
• Last Update Posted: 2023-08-01
• Study Start: 2025-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-10-01
• Study Completion: 2027-04-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 600

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
CONSORT referrals + Card referrals	CONSORT referrals	Intervention arm
CONSORT referrals + Card referrals	Card referrals	Intervention arm
Card referrals alone	Card referrals	Control arm

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Uptake of HIV testing	Within 30 days of the time of the testing offer	The number of referred clients presenting for HIV testing at participating study sites within 30 days of the testing offer, per 100 index clients.