RecruitingNot Applicable

Sexual Health Advocacy for Guys - a Text Messaging-based HIV Prevention Program for Guys Who Are Into Guys

United States5,000 participantsStarted 2024-01-15

Plain-language summary

SHAG is a text messaging-based HIV prevention program designed for cisgender sexual minority boys and men 13-20 years of age across the United States. Investigators will test it against a control group that receives messages about healthy lifestyle.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 22 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. have been assigned male sex at birth and currently have a cisgender identity;
. be aged 13-22 years old;
. have had anal sex in the past 12 months;
. be English-speaking;
. exclusively own a cell phone with an unlimited text messaging plan and intend to have the same cell phone number for the next 6 months;
. have Internet access to complete online surveys;
. provide informed assent for those under 18, and consent for those 18 years of age and older, including a capacity to consent and a positive self-safety assessment;
. Willing to take an OraQuick home test to confirm HIV negativity for youth who are 19-20 years of age or 18 years old and graduated high school. If they agree to do the test but do not upload a photo of their result, they will be eligible if they self-report a negative sero-status. Youth 18 years old who have not graduated high school, and 13-17 years of age will be asked to take a home test. If they determine that they cannot do so safely, they will be allowed to self-report their sero-status; and

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

HIV Incidence

Timeframe: 12-months post-intervention and immediately post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06230367

SponsorCenter for Innovative Public Health Research

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More HIV Infections trials