scholarly journals Increasing the HIV testing among MSM through HIV test result exchange mechanism: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuning Shi ◽  
Jialing Qiu ◽  
Qingling Yang ◽  
Tailin Chen ◽  
Yongheng Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exchange Mechanism ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Testing Rate ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Test Result

Abstract Background HIV testing is an essential gateway to HIV prevention and treatment thus controlling the HIV epidemic. More innovative interventions are needed to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) since their testing rate is still low. We proposed an online HIV test results exchange mechanism whereby the one without a certified online HIV report will be asked to test HIV for exchanging HIV report with others. The exchange mechanism is developed as an extension to the existing online HIV testing service system. Through the extended system, MSM can obtain certified online HIV reports and exchange their reports with friends via WeChat. This study aims to assess effectiveness of the exchange mechanism to increase the HIV testing rate among MSM. Methods This study will use a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Participants are recruited based on the unit of individual social network, the sender and the receivers of the HIV report. An individual social network is composed of one sender (ego) and one or more receivers (alters). In this study, MSM in an HIV testing clinic are recruited as potential egos and forwarded online reports to their WeChat friends voluntarily. Friends are invited to participate by report links and become alters. Ego and alters serve as a cluster and are randomized to the group using the certified online HIV report with exchange mechanism (intervention group) or without exchange mechanism (control group). Alters are the intervention targeting participants. The primary outcome is HIV testing rate. Other outcomes are sexual transmitted infections, sexual behaviors, HIV testing norms, stigma, risk perception and HIV report delivery. The outcomes will be assessed at baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Analysis will be according to intention to treat approach and using mixed-effect models with networks and individuals as random effects. Discussion This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of an HIV test result exchange mechanism to increase the HIV testing among MSM. This assessment of the intervention will also provide scientific evidence on other potential effects. Findings from this study will yield insights for sustainability driven by communities' intrinsic motivation. Trail registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03984136. Registered 12 June 2019.

scholarly journals Digital crowdsourced intervention to promote HIV testing among MSM in China: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Ren ◽  
Joseph D. Tucker ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Xiaorun Tao ◽  
Meizhen Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are an important HIV key population in China. However, HIV testing rates among MSM remain suboptimal. Digital crowdsourced media interventions may be a useful tool to reach this marginalized population. We define digital crowdsourced media as using social media, mobile phone applications, Internet, or other digital approaches to disseminate messages developed from crowdsourcing contests. The proposed cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) study aims to assess the effectiveness of a digital crowdsourced intervention to increase HIV testing uptake and decrease risky sexual behaviors among Chinese MSM. Methods A two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in eleven cities (ten clusters) in Shandong Province, China. Targeted study participants will be 250 MSM per arm and 50 participants per cluster. MSM who are 18 years old or above, live in the study city, have not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months, are not living with HIV or have never been tested for HIV, and are willing to provide informed consent will be enrolled. Participants will be recruited through banner advertisements on Blued, the largest gay dating app in China, and in-person at community-based organizations (CBOs). The intervention includes a series of crowdsourced intervention materials (24 images and four short videos about HIV testing and safe sexual behaviors) and HIV self-test services provided by the study team. The intervention was developed through a series of participatory crowdsourcing contests before this study. The self-test kits will be sent to the participants in the intervention group at the 2nd and 3rd follow-ups. Participants will be followed up quarterly during the 12-month period. The primary outcome will be self-reported HIV testing uptake at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will include changes in condomless sex, self-test efficacy, social network engagement, HIV testing social norms, and testing stigma. Discussion Innovative approaches to HIV testing among marginalized population are urgently needed. Through this cluster randomized controlled trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness of a digital crowdsourced intervention, improving HIV testing uptake among MSM and providing a resource in related public health fields. Trial registration ChiCTR1900024350. Registered on 6 July 2019.

scholarly journals Integrated Care Delivery for HIV Prevention and Treatment in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Zambia: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/15314 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e15314
Author(s):  
Sujha Subramanian ◽  
Patrick Edwards ◽  
Sarah T Roberts ◽  
Maurice Musheke ◽  
Michael Mbizvo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background Among countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia has one of the highest incidences of HIV. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are a particularly affected group because of their social and economic vulnerability. Objective The goal of this study is to test a multilevel package of interventions at the community and health system levels in Zambia in order to connect AGYW with a source of regular care, which will in turn allow for sustainable, successful implementation of regular HIV testing and adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Methods We will adapt prior tools to create the SHIELD (Support for HIV Integrated Education, Linkages to Care, and Destigmatization) intervention to educate and empower Zambian AGYW of 10-24 years of age and their families and to create community-based youth clubs to foster peer support. We will also develop integrated wellness care clinics to offer a youth-friendly environment that provides tailored clinical services. We will perform formative research, including focus groups and in-depth interviews, among AGYW, caregivers, and stakeholders to help inform the development and tailoring of the interventions. A cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in Lusaka, with six clinic catchment areas randomized into three groups: zones with integrated wellness care clinics and SHIELD intervention, zones with only SHIELD intervention, and control zones with no intervention. We will assess HIV testing among the HIV-negative or unknown (HIV-/u) cohort, and retention in care along with viral load suppression will be evaluated in the HIV-positive (HIV+) cohort. We will use in-depth interviews and surveys to collect staff and stakeholder feedback after the trial. Cost-effectiveness of the interventions and return-on-investment impacts will be quantified using a microsimulation model. Results Interim results are expected in 2021, and the final results are expected in 2022. If this multilevel intervention is successful in establishing a comprehensive care continuum for HIV-affected AGYW, the Zambian Ministry of Health may advocate for expansion to additional settings to support national scale-up. Conclusions This integrated service delivery model can also be a platform to implement additional preventive services, so HIV-/u and HIV+ AGYW can receive comprehensive, integrated services. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03995953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03995953 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15314

scholarly journals Digital crowdsourced intervention to promote HIV testing among MSM in China: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Ren ◽  
Joseph David Tucker ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Xiaorun Tao ◽  
Meizhen Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are an important HIV key population in China. However, HIV testing rates among MSM remain suboptimal. Digital crowdsourced media interventions may be a useful tool to reach this marginalized population. We define digital crowdsourced media as using social media, mobile phone applications, internet, or other digital approaches to disseminate messages developed from crowdsourcing contests. The proposed cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) study aims to assess the effectiveness of a digital crowdsourced intervention to increase HIV testing uptake and decrease risky sexual behaviors among Chinese MSM.Methods: A two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in eleven cities (ten clusters) in Shandong Province, China. Targeted study participants will be 250 MSM per arm and 50 participants per cluster. MSM who are 18 years old or above, live in the study city, have not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months, are not living with HIV or have never been tested for HIV, and are willing to provide informed consent will be enrolled. Participants will be recruited through banner advertisements on Blued, the largest gay dating app in China, and in-person at community-based organizations (CBOs). The intervention includes a series of crowdsourced intervention materials (24 images and four short videos about HIV testing and safe sexual behaviors) and HIV self-test services provided by the study team. The intervention was developed through a series of participatory crowdsourcing contests before this study. The self-test kits will be sent to the participants in the intervention group at the 2nd and 3rd follow-up. Participants will be followed up quarterly during the 12-month period. The primary outcome will be self-reported HIV testing uptake at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will include changes in condomless sex, self-test efficacy, social network engagement, HIV testing social norms, and testing stigma.Discussion: Innovative approaches to HIV testing among marginalized population are urgently needed. Through this cluster randomized controlled trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness of a digital crowdsourced intervention, improving HIV testing uptake among MSM and providing a resource in related public health fields.Trial Registration: ChiCTR1900024350. Registered on 6 July 2019.

scholarly journals Digital Crowdsourcing in Promoting HIV testing Among MSM in China: Study Protocol for A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Ren ◽  
Joseph David Tucker ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Xiaorun Tao ◽  
Meizhen Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Key Population ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are an important key population in China. However, HIV testing rates among MSM remain suboptimal. Digital crowdsourcing may be a useful tool to reach this marginalized population. The proposed cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) study aims to assess the effectiveness of digital crowdsourcing in improving HIV testing and sexual behaviors change among Chinese MSM. Methods: A two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in eleven cities (ten clusters) in Shandong Province, China. Target study enrollment will be 250 participants per arm and 50 participants per cluster. MSM who are 18 years old or above, live in the study city, have not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months, are not living with HIV or have never been tested for HIV, and are willing to provide informed consent, will be enrolled. MSM will be recruited through banner advertisements on Blued, the largest gay dating app in China, and in-person at community-based organizations (CBOs). Participants will be followed-up quarterly during the 12-month period. The primary outcome will be the self-reported uptake of HIV testing. Secondary outcomes will include change in condomless sex, self-test efficacy, social network engagement, HIV testing social norms, and testing stigma.Discussion: Innovative approaches to HIV testing among marginalized population are urgently needed. Through this cluster randomized controlled trial, we expected that we can evaluate effectiveness of a digital crowdsourcing approach, improve the HIV testing rate among MSM and provide a resource in related public health fields.Trial Registration: ChiCTR1900024350. Registered on 6 July 2019, identifier http:// chictr.org.cn/.

scholarly journals Integrated Care Delivery for HIV Prevention and Treatment in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Zambia: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujha Subramanian ◽  
Patrick Edwards ◽  
Sarah T Roberts ◽  
Maurice Musheke ◽  
Michael Mbizvo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Depth Interviews

BACKGROUND Among countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia has one of the highest incidences of HIV. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are a particularly affected group because of their social and economic vulnerability. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to test a multilevel package of interventions at the community and health system levels in Zambia in order to connect AGYW with a source of regular care, which will in turn allow for sustainable, successful implementation of regular HIV testing and adherence to antiretroviral treatment. METHODS We will adapt prior tools to create the SHIELD (Support for HIV Integrated Education, Linkages to Care, and Destigmatization) intervention to educate and empower Zambian AGYW of 10-24 years of age and their families and to create community-based youth clubs to foster peer support. We will also develop integrated wellness care clinics to offer a youth-friendly environment that provides tailored clinical services. We will perform formative research, including focus groups and in-depth interviews, among AGYW, caregivers, and stakeholders to help inform the development and tailoring of the interventions. A cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in Lusaka, with six clinic catchment areas randomized into three groups: zones with integrated wellness care clinics and SHIELD intervention, zones with only SHIELD intervention, and control zones with no intervention. We will assess HIV testing among the HIV-negative or unknown (HIV-/u) cohort, and retention in care along with viral load suppression will be evaluated in the HIV-positive (HIV+) cohort. We will use in-depth interviews and surveys to collect staff and stakeholder feedback after the trial. Cost-effectiveness of the interventions and return-on-investment impacts will be quantified using a microsimulation model. RESULTS Interim results are expected in 2021, and the final results are expected in 2022. If this multilevel intervention is successful in establishing a comprehensive care continuum for HIV-affected AGYW, the Zambian Ministry of Health may advocate for expansion to additional settings to support national scale-up. CONCLUSIONS This integrated service delivery model can also be a platform to implement additional preventive services, so HIV-/u and HIV+ AGYW can receive comprehensive, integrated services. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03995953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03995953

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