San Clemente

Researchers are evaluating a text messaging-based HIV prevention program called Sexual Health Advocacy for Guys SHAG designed for cisgender sexual minority boys and men aged 13 to 22 across the United States. This study compares SHAG to a control group receiving messages about healthy lifestyle topics. The program aims to reduce HIV incidence and examines its impact on STI testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP. Participants in the intervention group receive approximately 9 weeks of daily text messages focusing on healthy sexuality and ways to reduce HIV risk, followed by a 3-month quiet period and a week of review messages. The control group receives a similar schedule of daily text messages about healthy lifestyle topics such as self-esteem and physical exercise, with the same quiet period and review week. The messages are based on a behavioral model of preventive behavior. During the study, participants are recruited and enrolled primarily online and digitally. Assessments include measuring HIV incidence immediately after the intervention and at 12 months post-intervention, as well as self-reported HIV incidence at several points up to 12 months. Researchers also track the proportion of participants who test for STIs and who have used PrEP or post-exposure prophylaxis PEP. Participants must have a cell phone with unlimited texting and internet access to complete surveys. The study aims to complete by December 2027.

Researchers are evaluating a gender-inclusive HIV prevention program designed for trans girls and nonbinary youth assigned male at birth, aged 14 to 18 years. The program aims to impact HIV preventive behavior at the population level and can be quickly and cost-effectively expanded to reach thousands of participants. This interventional study is sponsored by the Center for Innovative Public Health Research and uses a randomized design to compare different program content. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two text messaging-based programs lasting 5 months. The experimental group receives messages with information, motivation, and behavioral skills on HIV prevention, healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships, and gender navigation. The comparison group receives messages focused on HIV prevention and healthy adolescent lifestyle topics such as self-esteem. Both interventions are delivered via cell phone. During the study, participants complete online surveys and are monitored for HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis PrEP over an 8-month period starting from baseline. The study includes safety monitoring through these outcome measures and tracks participants engagement with the messaging programs. Total involvement includes the intervention period plus follow-up assessments.