Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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No additional detail available

Official Title
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Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing

Conditions
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HIV

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: CONSORT referrals
* Behavioral: Card referrals


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion criteria: at least 18 years old live, work, or regularly receive care in Moshi, Tanzania literate Exclusion criteria: under age 18 years does not live, work, or regularly receive care in Moshi, Tanzania illiterate

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: CONSORT referrals + Card referrals<br>Intervention arm | Behavioral: CONSORT referrals<br>* Participants will be offered SMS-based confidential social network referrals for HIV testing (CONSORT referrals) to extend to any of their social and sexual network contacts.<br>Behavioral: Card referrals<br>* Participants will be offered physical invitation cards (card referrals) to extend to any of their social and sexual network contacts.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Card referrals alone<br>Control arm | Behavioral: Card referrals<br>* Participants will be offered physical invitation cards (card referrals) to extend to any of their social and sexual network contacts.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Uptake of HIV testing | The number of referred clients presenting for HIV testing at participating study sites within 30 days of the testing offer, per 100 index clients. | Within 30 days of the time of the testing offer |