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Improving HIV Testing, Linkage, and Retention in Care for Men Through U=U Messaging
Sponsor: Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
Summary
This study will evaluate the impact of U=U messaging and counseling on gaps in the HIV care cascade for men, including testing uptake and ART initiation (Aim 1), achieving viral suppression and retention in care (Aim 2) in two provinces in South Africa. The U=U message communicates the compelling idea that PLHIV who take ART and have an undetectable viral load (\<200 copies/mL) cannot sexually transmit HIV. Additionally, the investigators will conduct a multi-method evaluation to inform future implementation of U=U messaging interventions (Aim 3).
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
15 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
3642
Start Date
2023-03-31
Completion Date
2027-05-31
Last Updated
2024-11-01
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
U=U testing messaging scripts
On site testing days randomized to the intervention, trained health promoters employed by the mobile testing venues will use U=U messaging scripts to invite men in the vicinity to seek HIV testing services on that day. On intervention days, the U=U messaging will also be used by counselors at the testing venue when referring those who test HIV positive to clinic-based ART initiation services provided by the local Department of Health
U=U adherence messaging scripts
After receiving standard ART initiation and adherence counselling from a DoH clinic nurse per South African National Guidelines, RCs will deliver a U=U message and hand participants a small business card with a brief U=U message on it. Participants will then receive monthly SMS booster messages (but can opt out) and monthly in-clinic booster messages during routine medical refill visits, again with a business card for messaging reinforcement.
Locations (2)
Buffalo City Metro
East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Cape Town Metro
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa