Using Technology to Deliver an HIV Prevention Program for Transgender Girls and Nonbinary Youth Assigned Male at Birth Ages 14 to 18

What this Trial Is About

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.

Testing a Gender-inclusive HIV Prevention Program