scholarly journals Test@Work Texts: Mobile Phone Messaging to Increase Awareness of HIV and HIV Testing in UK Construction Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7819
Author(s):  
Matthew Middleton ◽  
Sarah Somerset ◽  
Catrin Evans ◽  
Holly Blake
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Hiv Test

Background: HIV poses a threat to global health. With effective treatment options available, education and testing strategies are essential in preventing transmission. Text messaging is an effective tool for health promotion and can be used to target higher risk populations. This study reports on the design, delivery and testing of a mobile text messaging SMS intervention for HIV prevention and awareness, aimed at adults in the construction industry and delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Participants were recruited at Test@Work workplace health promotion events (21 sites, n = 464 employees), including health checks with HIV testing. Message development was based on a participatory design and included a focus group (n = 9) and message fidelity testing (n = 291) with assessment of intervention uptake, reach, acceptability, and engagement. Barriers to HIV testing were identified and mapped to the COM-B behavioural model. 23 one-way push SMS messages (19 included short web links) were generated and fidelity tested, then sent via automated SMS to two employee cohorts over a 10-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engagement metrics measured were: opt-outs, SMS delivered/read, number of clicks per web link, four two-way pull messages exploring repeat HIV testing, learning new information, perceived usefulness and behaviour change. Results: 291 people participated (68.3% of eligible attendees). A total of 7726 messages were sent between March and June 2020, with 91.6% successfully delivered (100% read). 12.4% of participants opted out over 10 weeks. Of delivered messages, links were clicked an average of 14.4% times, max 24.1% for HIV related links. The number of clicks on web links declined over time (r = −6.24, p = 0.01). Response rate for two-way pull messages was 13.7% of participants. Since the workplace HIV test offer at recruitment, 21.6% reported having taken a further HIV test. Qualitative replies indicated behavioural influence of messaging on exercise, lifestyle behaviours and intention to HIV test. Conclusions: SMS messaging for HIV prevention and awareness is acceptable to adults in the construction industry, has high uptake, low attrition and good engagement with message content, when delivered during a global pandemic. Data collection methods may need refinement for audience, and effect of COVID-19 on results is yet to be understood.

scholarly journals Test@Work Texts: Mobile Phone Messaging to Increase Awareness of HIV and HIV Testing in UK Construction Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Middleton ◽  
Sarah Somerset ◽  
Catrin Evans ◽  
Holly Blake
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Hiv Test

Background: HIV poses a threat to global health. With effective treatment options available, education and testing strategies are essential in preventing transmission. Text messaging is an effective tool for health promotion and can be used to target higher risk populations. This study reports on the design, delivery and testing of a mobile text messaging SMS intervention for HIV prevention and awareness, aimed at adults in the construction industry and delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Participants were recruited at Test@Work workplace health promotion events (21 sites, n=464 employees), including health checks with HIV testing. Message development was based on a participatory design and included a focus group (n=9) and message fidelity testing (n=291) with assessment of intervention uptake, reach, acceptability, and engagement. Barriers to HIV testing were identified and mapped to the COM-B behavioural model. 23 one-way push SMS messages (19 included short web links) were generated and fidelity tested, then sent via automated SMS to two employee cohorts over a 10-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engagement metrics measured were; opt-outs, SMS delivered/read, number of clicks per web link, and four two-way pull messages exploring repeat HIV testing, learning new information, perceived usefulness and behaviour change. Results: 291 people participated (68.3% of eligible attendees). A total of 7,726 messages were sent between March and June 2020, with 91.6% successfully delivered (100% read). 12.4% of participants opted out over 10 weeks. Of delivered messages, links were clicked an average of 14.4%, max 24.1% for HIV related links. The number of clicks on web links declined over time (r= -6.24, p=0.01). Response rate for two-way pull messages was 13.7% of participants. Since the workplace HIV test offer at recruitment, 21.6% reported having taken a further HIV test. Qualitative replies indicated behavioural influence of messaging on exercise, lifestyle behaviours and intention to HIV test. Conclusion: SMS messaging for HIV prevention and awareness is acceptable to adults in the construction industry, has high uptake, low attrition and good engagement with message content, when delivered during a global pandemic. Data collection methods may need refinement for audience and effect of COVID-19 on results is yet to be understood.

scholarly journals A randomized group antenatal care pilot showed increased partner communication and partner HIV testing during pregnancy in Malawi and Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan D. Jeremiah ◽  
Dhruvi R. Patel ◽  
Ellen Chirwa ◽  
Esnath Kapito ◽  
Xiaohan Mei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Partner Communication ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Hiv Test

Abstract Background HIV testing at antenatal care (ANC) is critical to achieving zero new infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Although most women are tested at ANC, they remain at risk for HIV exposure and transmission to their infant when their partners are not tested. This study evaluates how an HIV-enhanced and Centering-based group ANC model-Group ANC+ that uses interactive learning to practice partner communication is associated with improvements in partner HIV testing during pregnancy. Methods A randomized pilot study conducted in Malawi and Tanzania found multiple positive outcomes for pregnant women (n = 218) assigned to Group ANC+ versus individual ANC. This analysis adds previously unpublished results for two late pregnancy outcomes: communication with partner about three reproductive health topics (safer sex, HIV testing, and family planning) and partner HIV testing since the first antenatal care visit. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of type of ANC on partner communication and partner testing. We also conducted a mediation analysis to assess whether partner communication mediated the effect of type of care on partner HIV testing. Results Nearly 70% of women in Group ANC+ reported communicating about reproductive health with their partner, compared to 45% of women in individual ANC. After controlling for significant covariates, women in group ANC were twice as likely as those in individual ANC to report that their partner got an HIV test (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.66). The positive effect of the Group ANC + model on partner HIV testing was fully mediated by increased partner communication. Conclusions HIV prevention was included in group ANC health promotion without compromising services and coverage of standard ANC topics, demonstrating that local high-priority health promotion needs can be integrated into ANC using a Group ANC+. These findings provide evidence that greater partner communication can promote healthy reproductive behaviors, including HIV prevention. Additional research is needed to understand the processes by which group ANC allowed women to discuss sensitive topics with partners and how these communications led to partner HIV testing.

scholarly journals What happens after HIV self-testing? Results from a longitudinal cohort of Chinese men who have sex with men

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising approach to expand HIV testing. HIVST is a process in which a person performs an HIV test and interprets the result. Negative HIVST results may encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV prevention services. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors (e.g., facility-based HIV testing, condom use) after a negative HIVST test result among Chinese MSM. Methods We collected data from MSM in eight Chinese cities over a 12-month period. This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data collected as part of an intervention trial to increase HIV testing. Men completed a survey that described sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, HIV self-testing, and facility-based HIV testing. Men who completed at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate whether HIVST increased subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. Results We included 1219 men. Most men (78.7%) were under 30 years old and had never been married (87.0%). 755 (61.9%) men tested for HIV and 593 (49.3%) men self-tested during the study period. At baseline, among men who had never been tested for HIV, 44.9% (314/699) initiated HIVST during the study period. HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based testing (aOR of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.37). HIVST was also associated with subsequent consistent condom use (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06). Conclusion HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. HIVST may enhance uptake of related HIV prevention services at facilities, suggesting the need for more implementation research.

Stigma, sexual risk and desire for HIV tests in Ghana

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel F. Koku
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Negative Interaction ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Positive Effect

Background: Although various HIV prevention and treatment programs have been implemented in Ghana since 2003, desire for and uptake of HIV testing is still low, owing largely to HIV-related stigma. This study examined the effect of stigma on desire for HIV testing, while controlling for socio-demographic and other influences. Method: The study used data from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey to regress desire for an HIV test on levels of stigma while controlling for selected socio-demographic, socio-cognitive and socio-behavioural covariates. Results: The study revealed significant associations between several socio-demographic and socio-cognitive variables and the desire for an HIV test. For example, both male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.72) and female (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.41–0.93) respondents in the wealthiest households, and those who know someone infected with HIV (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.43–1.00) have lower odds of desiring an HIV test. The study showed a significant but negative interaction between risky sexual behaviours and community stigma (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.19–0.67), indicating that the positive effect of risky sex on HIV testing is attenuated among females who live in communities with high levels of stigma. Conclusion: Since community-level education and risk reduction programs have demonstrable influences on reducing HIV stigma, it is imperative that the Ghana government’s ongoing anti-stigma campaigns and other HIV prevention programs recognise the role of community stigma in influencing HIV testing decisions, especially in the context of risky sexual behaviours.

HIV testing in an urgent-care clinic

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Murphy ◽  
Oscar Grusky ◽  
Kathleen Johnston Roberts ◽  
Aimee-Noelle Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Urgent Care Clinic

Background: Early detection of HIV is increasingly important in light of advances in HIV research and treatment. Although treatment advances offer the potential to curtail HIV incidence and seroprevalence, the full benefits remain unrealised because many infected individuals remain unaware of their serostatus. An intensive observational study of HIV testing and counselling was undertaken in a large health maintenance organisation’s urgent-care clinic (UCC) for non-threatening illnesses and non-traumatic injuries in order to better understand the HIV testing process in a medical setting. Methods: Multiple data collection strategies, including observation, semi-structured interviews and document and policy analyses, were used in order to identify key factors influencing HIV testing. The study examined physicians’, nurses’ and physician’s assistants’ relationships with patients in the UCC. Results: It was found that HIV testing in the UCC is highly variable because some patients are asked about their sexual risk histories and given HIV prevention education materials and others are not. Moreover, for those patients who do receive these components of testing, the content of both the risk assessments and HIV prevention counselling varies from patient to patient. Findings also highlight the problematic nature of providing HIV test results in an UCC. Conclusions: A number of implementation issues were found to be relevant to the new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policy of making HIV testing a routine feature of medical care. The study results suggest the need for organisationally fine-tuned interventions designed to improve the process of testing patients for HIV in medical settings.

scholarly journals The Drive to Take an HIV Test in Rural Uganda: A Risk to Prevention for Young People?

2021 ◽  
pp. 265-276
Author(s):  
Sarah Bernays ◽  
Allen Asiimwe ◽  
Edward Tumwesige ◽  
Janet Seeley
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Prevention Methods ◽  
Biomedical Interventions

AbstractA key component of current global HIV prevention efforts is widespread HIV testing. This strategy in part reflects the focus on the broader global targets to eliminate AIDS by achieving high rates of viral suppression. In this chapter we look at young people’s engagement with HIV prevention options in South-West Uganda. Taking a qualitative approach, using repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops with 50 young people aged 16–24 years old, we reflect on their accounts of how they navigate risks and opportunities within their daily lives. These risks include HIV-acquisition, but also the harms of economic precarity. Within a context in which using HIV prevention methods, such as condoms or abstinence, were for various reasons severely compromised by their contextual realities, some young people reported relying on irregular HIV testing as their singular method. The young people’s accounts demonstrate that an unintended consequence of the ‘push’ for HIV testing may be the justification of its replacement of other behavioural prevention strategies. This case study illustrates what impact such biomedical interventions may have if implemented as a priority and in isolation from the structural drivers of vulnerability: the social context of young people’s lives.

scholarly journals Development and Fidelity Testing of the Test@Work Digital Toolkit for Employers on Workplace Health Checks and Opt-In HIV Testing

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Blake ◽  
Sarah Somerset ◽  
Catrin Evans
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
General Health ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Stage 1

Background: In the UK, few employers offer general health checks for employees, and opt-in HIV testing is rarely included. There is a need to provide evidence-based guidance and support for employers around health checks and HIV testing in the workplace. An Agile approach was used to develop and evaluate a digital toolkit to facilitate employers’ understanding about workplace health screening. Methods: The Test@Work toolkit development included an online survey (STAGE 1: n = 201), stakeholder consultation (STAGE 2: n = 19), expert peer review (STAGE 3: n = 24), and pilot testing (STAGE 4: n = 20). The toolkit includes employer guidance on workplace health promotion, workplace health screening, and confidential opt-in HIV testing with signposting to resources. Pilot testing included assessment of fidelity (delivery and engagement) and implementation qualities (attitudes, resources, practicality, acceptability, usability and cost). Results: STAGE 1: The vast majority of respondents would consider offering general health checks in the workplace that included confidential opt-in HIV testing, and this view was broadly comparable across organisation types (n = 201; public: 87.8%; private: 89.7%; third: 87.1%). STAGES 2 and 3: Stakeholders highlighted essential content considerations: (1) inclusion of the business case for workplace health initiatives, (2) clear pathways to employer responsibilities, and (3) presenting HIV-related information alongside other areas of health. With regards presentation, stakeholders proposed that the toolkit should be concise, with clear signposting and be hosted on a trusted portal. STAGE 4: Employers were satisfied with the toolkit content, usability and utility. The toolkit had high fidelity with regards to delivery and employer engagement. Assessment of implementation qualities showed high usability and practicality, with low perceived burden for completion and acceptable cost implications. Very few resource challenges were reported, and the toolkit was considered to be appropriate for any type of organisation, irrespective of size or resources. Conclusions: Employers perceived the Test@Work toolkit to be useful, meaningful and appropriate for their needs. This digital resource could be used to support employers to engage with health screening and opt-in HIV testing within the context of workplace health promotion.

scholarly journals Mobile phone messaging to promote uptake of HIV testing among migrant African communities in the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Evans ◽  
L Suzanne Suggs ◽  
Katie Turner ◽  
Aurora Occa ◽  
Amdani Juma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
General Health ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
The Uk

Background: In the UK, African communities are a focus of public health efforts to increase uptake of HIV testing. Mobile phone interventions may be an innovative way of reaching migrant groups who are known to face multiple obstacles in accessing mainstream health services. This paper presents findings from a feasibility study that used participatory approaches to investigate the use of a text messaging intervention to encourage HIV testing among migrant African communities. Methods: Participants were recruited in the city of Nottingham by a team of community researchers. They were sent two text messages per week (one on HIV and one on general health) for 12 weeks. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were completed to measure HIV testing behaviour, HIV-related knowledge and attitudes and general health. Participants’ views on the intervention were solicited. Results: One hundred and sixty-nine participants were enrolled in the study. Follow-up data on HIV testing were obtained for 76 participants (45%) and complete follow-up measures were available from 60 participants (36%). Eight reported seeking an HIV test during the study period. There were statistically significant positive changes in attitudes about HIV and a trend towards increased knowledge about HIV. One-third of participants reported improvements in physical activity levels, diet and stress management following the intervention. The intervention messages and structure were positively evaluated. Conclusion: Well-designed mobile phone messaging proved to be a feasible and acceptable intervention to promote both HIV testing and lifestyle behaviours among African migrant communities in the UK. When co-constructed with communities, they hold considerable promise for overcoming some of the health-related barriers faced by migrant populations in new countries. Future research and service development should focus on exploiting and evaluating this potential in relation to other key health priorities.

scholarly journals Explaining utilization of HIV prevention and testing services among university students in Mozambique: results from a mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneka Hooft ◽  
Sarah Pfeil ◽  
Josina Mussengue ◽  
Eunice Jetha ◽  
Feng He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
University Students ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Encounter ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hiv Test

Abstract Background In Mozambique, HIV infection disproportionately affects young adults, particularly women. Despite awareness and knowledge of HIV transmission, many university students have not received HIV testing and continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, including inconsistent condom use. Further understanding of patterns of engagement with HIV prevention and testing is key to reducing HIV transmission in this at-risk population. Methods This study used a sequential mixed methods approach to examine patterns of engagement and perceptions of HIV prevention and testing services among higher education students in Mozambique. Survey data were collected from a representative sample of 501 students from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Maputo, Mozambique to assess the primary outcomes of 1) HIV testing within the last 12 months; and 2) condom use during last sexual encounter. We employed univariate and multivariate regression models. The survey was followed by qualitative interviews with 70 survey participants which were analyzed using an inductive, content-focused analysis to further explain and contextualize survey findings. Results Over 85% of students reported to be sexually active, among these 74% reported condom use during their last sexual encounter, and 64.2% reported an HIV test within the past 12 months. Females were more likely to have had HIV testing in the past 12 months in comparison to their male peers (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.11, 2.99), but were half as likely to have used a condom with their last sexual encounter (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33, 0.83), when controlling for other factors. Qualitative data suggests that these discrepancies may be explained by differential perceptions in risk and trust/mistrust, with women being more concerned about infidelity by their male partner(s) and assuming more responsibility for knowing their own serostatus. Women were also subject to negative stereotypes for possessing condoms in comparison to men, which could explain lower propensity for use. Conclusion Given gendered differences in uptake of condom use and HIV testing, and perceived HIV risk, interventions tailored specifically to male and female students may impact engagement with HIV prevention and testing and empower informed choices about sexual behaviors.

scholarly journals An Internet-Based, Peer-Delivered Messaging Intervention for HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in India (CHALO!): Pilot Randomized Comparative Trial

10.2196/16494 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e16494
Author(s):  
Viraj V Patel ◽  
Shruta Rawat ◽  
Alpana Dange ◽  
Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger ◽  
Sarit A Golub
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Comparative Trial ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Desirable Outcome ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Leveraging internet-based communication tools (eg, messaging apps, SMS text messaging, and email) may be an effective avenue for delivery of HIV prevention messages to men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, but there are limited models for such internet-based interventions. Objective The CHALO! pilot was an online educational and behavioral intervention aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a peer-delivered, internet-based messaging intervention for HIV testing and consistent condom use for MSM in India. The messages addressed barriers to HIV testing and condom use and were theoretically based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. Methods Between February and March 2015, we recruited, enrolled, and randomized 244 participants via online advertisements on mobile dating apps and Facebook. Eligible men (18 years or older, sexually active with other men, and self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status) were randomized to receive educational and motivational messages framed as either approach (ie, a desirable outcome to be achieved) or avoidance (an undesirable outcome to be avoided) over 12 weeks via internet-based messaging platforms. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and immediately postintervention. Results Participants were similar across arms with respect to sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Over 82.0% (200/244) of participants were retained (ie, viewed final messages), and 52.3% (130/244) of them completed the follow-up survey. Of those completing the follow-up survey, 82.3% (107/130) liked or strongly liked participating in CHALO!. The results showed a significant increase in self-reported HIV testing in the past 6 months from baseline to follow-up (41/130, 31.5% to 57/130, 43.8%; P=.04). When including those who reported intentions to test, this percentage increased from 44.6% (58/130) at baseline to 65.4% (85/130) at follow-up (P<.01). When examining intentions to test among those without prior HIV testing, intentions increased from 32% (16/50) of the sample at baseline to 56% (28/50) of the sample at follow-up (P=.02). Condom use during anal sex did not significantly change from baseline to follow-up. HIV testing and condom use did not significantly differ between approach and avoidance conditions at follow-up. Conclusions As one of the first studies of an online HIV prevention intervention for Indian MSM, CHALO! was feasible to implement by a community-based organization, was acceptable to participants, and demonstrated potential to improve HIV testing rates.

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