Increasing PrEP Persistence for HIV Prevention

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byLawrence C Long, PhD MCom

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Boston University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention modality that requires individuals to take a daily tablet to prevent themselves acquiring HIV. In South Africa while this is freely available in the public sector, persistence (that is continuation after initiation) is low amongst vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM). This study is a feasibility and acceptability study of a behavioral economics informed intervention to improve persistence amongst MSM newly initiating PrEP in South Africa. The goal of this study is to show that this approach is possible in a routine setting and gather the necessary data for a fully powered effectiveness trial. Study participants will complete a baseline questionnaire and then be randomized to either receive standard of care (control) or to receive the intervention. The intervention package consists of evidence informed reminders, commitment pledges and planning prompts. The intervention package aims to address present bias, optimism bias and salience. The intervention is delivered and the enrollment visit and then through mobile phone reminders / text messages. There is no further in person interaction after the initial interaction. Participants may be contacted for a telephonic enplane questionnaire. Outcome data is obtained from passive followup through routine medical record review with the primary end point being persistence at 3 months.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa, who are starting on PrEP to prevent HIV. Participants must be willing to receive text messages and complete questionnaires. There's no detailed exclusion criteria provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I am starting PrEP on the day I join the study.

Treatment Details

The study tests if reminders, commitment pledges, and planning prompts can help MSM continue taking PrEP consistently. Participants will either get the standard care or this new intervention through mobile phone texts after an initial visit.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized into this group will receive a behavioral economics informed intervention to improve persistence among amongst high risk men newly initiating PrEP in South Africa.

Group II: Control groupActive Control1 Intervention

Usual care for high risk men newly initiating PrEP in South Africa.