This is a 3-year study to test the efficacy of a text message-based intervention program. Dental patients at 4 community health centers (n= 266) will be randomized to receive either text messages (TMs) regarding HIV prevention or TMs regarding overall wellness. Prior to enrolling the 266 participants, the investigators will conduct a feasibility pilot (n=20) to test the TM delivery as well as all study procedures. For both the pilot and the randomized clinical trial (RCT), recruitment will be conducted at 4 Community Health Center dental clinics (Codman Square, East Boston (both East Boston and South End locations), Geiger Gibson, and Upham's Community Health Centers). Recruitment materials (flyers and permission to contact forms) may also be made available at other clinics within the health centers. The study will enroll English and Spanish-speaking patients who have at least one risk factor for HIV but are HIV-negative. Patients enrolled in the pilot will complete self-report surveys at baseline, 1 and 2 months. Participants enrolled in the RCT will complete self-report surveys baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline; receive and respond to TM assessments during the 6-month intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
266
Participants will receive 5 intervention text messages (TM) about HIV risk and testing per week for the first 3 months and 3 messages per week for the last 3 months of the intervention.
Participants will receive 5 intervention text messages (TM) about promoting healthy living (HL) per week for the first 3 months and 3 messages per week for the last 3 months of the intervention.
South End Community Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGEast Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGNumber of participants that obtain HIV testing
The total number of participants that obtain HIV testing will be assessed from answers to a question in a study questionnaire.
Time frame: 12 months
Adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Participants will be asked to complete a study questionnaire where they will be asked if they adhered to PrEP.
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
PrEp Uptake
Percentage of participants who started PrEP since the last assessment
Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
Condom use
Percentage of participants who used condoms consistently within the last month or at their last sexual encounter since the start of the intervention.
Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
Intravenous Drug Use (IDU)
Among participants reporting IDU, percentage of participants who report using clean needles since the start of the intervention
Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
Self-efficacy score
This outcome will be assessed using a one-item measure with a 5-point Likert scale where: 1 = "Not at all", 2 = "Somewhat", 3 = "Undecided", 4 = "Not really", and 5 = "Very much". HIgher scores are more favorable.
Time frame: 6 months, 12 months
Motivation to perform behaviours that reduce HIV risk
This outcome will be assessed using a one-item measure with a 5-point Likert scale where: 1 = "Not at all", 2 = "Somewhat", 3 = "Undecided", 4 = "Not really", and 5 = "Very much". HIgher scores are more favorable.
Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
Outcome expectations regarding behaviors to reduce HIV risk.
This outcome will be assessed using a one-item measure with a 5-point Likert scale where: 1 = "Not at all", 2 = "Somewhat", 3 = "Undecided", 4 = "Not really", and 5 = "Very much". HIgher scores are more favorable.
Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months
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