JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The ubiquity of mobile phones across many high HIV prevalence settings has created opportunities to leverage mobile health (mHealth) technologies to engage social networks for HIV prevention and treatment.

Objective:

This study seeks to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a novel mHealth intervention, Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing (CONSORT), to nudge at-risk individuals to test for HIV.

Methods:

The study will be conducted in Moshi, Tanzania. After qualitative formative work and pilot testing, 400 clients presenting for HIV counseling and testing, and 200 persons living with HIV (PWH) and receiving care at HIV care and treatment centers will be enrolled as inviters into a randomized controlled trial. Inviters will be asked to complete a survey of their HIV risk behaviors and their social networks and then randomized into one of two study arms. Arm 1 participants will be offered to extend automated CONSORT invitations in the form of confidential Short Messaging System (SMS) messages or physical invitation cards to any of their network contacts. Arm 2 participants will be offered physical invitation cards only. The primary outcome will be uptake of HIV testing among network contacts within 30 days. Secondary outcomes will include the acceptability of CONSORT among inviters and the number of new HIV diagnoses among network contacts presenting for HIV testing.

Results:

Enrollment into the randomized controlled trial is expected to start in September 2024. Findings will be disseminated to stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions:

If CONSORT is acceptable and effective, mobile-phone supported chain-referral methods could greatly improve the reach of HIV testing efforts. Clinical Trial: The protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05967208) on July 25, 2023.