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HIVNCT06785103

IBIS Megastudy- Pilot

A study testing Risk assessment messaging, U=U messaging and Healthy Living messaging in people with HIV, run by University of California, San Francisco at 2 sites in 2 countries.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
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Trial summary

In this pilot study, the investigators will determine the feasibility and acceptability of multiple low-cost behavioral interventions, designed with end-user input, to promote HIV retesting among adults in rural Kenya and Uganda who have higher risk of HIV exposure. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 15 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
HIV
What is being tested?
Risk assessment messaging, U=U messaging and Healthy Living messaging
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
98 participants
Where
2 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
27 Mar 2025to 31 Jul 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 15 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • at least 15 years of age
  • At increased risk of HIV infection (defined by self-reported risk [at least one of the following over the 3 months prior to enrollment: >1 sexual partner, known HIV-positive sexual partner, diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, or paid or received gifts or money in exchange for sex] or by Kenya or Uganda MoH criteria for priority group)
  • Documented negative HIV antibody test within 7 days of enrollment
  • No intent to migrate out of community in next 3 months
  • Daily access to a mobile phone (required since some of the interventions will be delivered by phone)

Who cannot join

  • HIV-positive

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 2 countries.

2 sites in 2 countries

Kenya1 site
  • Kenya Medical Research Institution (KEMRI)

    Mbita

Other trials in Kenya

Uganda1 site
  • Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC)

    Mbarara

Other trials in Uganda

About this study

Official title: Transformative Approaches to Rapidly and Efficiently Test Demand Creation Interventions to Promote HIV Retesting in Adults at Increased Risk of HIV

In this pilot study, the investigators will determine the feasibility and acceptability of multiple low-cost behavioral interventions, designed with end-user input, to promote HIV retesting among adults in rural Kenya and Uganda who have higher risk of HIV exposure.

Read the detailed description

HIV re-testing is crucial in ensuring early identification of disease to promote well-being of an individual as well as preventing onward spread of infection by treating those identified to have disease promptly. The proposed study aims to identify approaches that would encourage individuals aged 15 years and above at high risk of HIV infection to retest. This IBIS Megastudy pilot trial will pilot 11 intervention prototypes for acceptability, feedback, and implementation outcomes prior to using the interventions in a larger-scale Megastudy trial (main trial to be submitted as a separate CT.gov record).

Conditions
HIV
Being tested
Risk assessment messaging, U=U messaging, Healthy Living messaging, Community benefits messaging, Fresh start effect
Keywords
behavioral economics, "nudge" interventions, Uganda, Kenya, HIV retesting

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Risk assessment messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "HIV risk assessment" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to HIV risk assessment core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the HIV risk assessment content category.

  • U=U messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "U=U" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to U=U core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the U=U content category.

  • Healthy Living messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Healthy Living" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Healthy Living core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Healthy Living content category.

  • Community benefits messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Community benefits" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Community Benefits core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Community Benefits content category.

  • Fresh start effectBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Fresh start effect" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Fresh Start core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Fresh start effect content category.

  • Education-based messaging (#1)Behavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Education-based #1" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to HIV education core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Education-based #1 content category.

  • Education-based #2 messaging (gamification)Behavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Education-based #2" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to HIV education/gamification core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Education-based/gamification content category.

  • Default appointment messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Default appointment" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Default Appointment core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Default Appointment content category.

  • Reserved for you messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Reserved for you" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to the Reserved for you core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Reserved for you content category.

  • Social norms messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Social norms" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Social Norms core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Social Norms content category.

  • Empowerment messagingBehavioural

    Participants who are randomized to the "Empowerment/goal setting" arm will receive a brief video message at their baseline visit, containing information related to Empowerment core concepts and encouraging them to return for a repeat HIV test. They will also receive brief SMS follow-up messages at 8 and 11 week after baseline reminding them about HIV retesting and re-emphasizing concepts from the Empowerment content category.

Study groups in NCT06785103
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
HIV Risk AssessmentExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Emphasize that a negative test doesn't mean that previous behavior(s) weren't high-risk * Enable people to re-assess their own personal risk at a later/future date * Suggest risk behaviors to reflect on * If participant has engaged in one or more behaviors, emphasize their need to re-test
Receives: Behavioral: Risk assessment messaging
U=U messagingExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: Explain benefits of finding out your HIV-positive status as early after infection as possible and start treatment as soon as possible. These benefits include: * Prevent transmission of HIV to anyone * Live a normal life, with freedom in sexual choices and ability to start a family
Receives: Behavioral: U=U messaging
Healthy LivingExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Illustrate how regular HIV testing is one part of a healthy lifestyle * Use examples to connect/compare retesting to other ways to protect/improve overall health
Receives: Behavioral: Healthy Living messaging
Community benefitsExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Emphasize that regular testing keeps the participant's community safe and healthy by reducing chances of transmitting HIV unknowingly * Call for responsibility- the participant to do their part for the community; they are an integral part of the solution
Receives: Behavioral: Community benefits messaging
Fresh start effectExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Using a specific moment in time (like a resolution, start of a new month, etc.) to motivate a healthy behavior (i.e. a "fresh start" moment) * emotional unburdening of resolving uncertainty (not knowing one's status is more stressful than knowing one's status, whether positive or negative, and being able to take healthy steps after knowing if the status is negative or positive)
Receives: Behavioral: Fresh start effect
Education-based #1ExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Provide basic scientific information about HIV virus and transmission * Mention private, individual benefits of early HIV treatment
Receives: Behavioral: Education-based messaging (#1)
Education-based #2ExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Increase attention to HIV re-testing reminder through interactive trivia questions * Correct or reinforce understanding about HIV prevention, transmission, and retesting
Receives: Behavioral: Education-based #2 messaging (gamification)
Default appointmentExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Having a set appointment will reduce uncertainty about availability for retest visit * Having an opt-out option for the future retesting appointment * A planning prompt to be specific about the participant's future plan for retesting * Gentle/soft commitment: by picking a date, mentally agree to come back to retest
Receives: Behavioral: Default appointment messaging
Reserved for youExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Make participant aware that the test is available, and the clinic is welcoming the participant to receive it * "VIP status-" the participant is lucky/special to have this opportunity
Receives: Behavioral: Reserved for you messaging
Social normsExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Reduce stigma and normalize retesting by explaining that it is a common practice for people to be aware of their HIV status and get tested often when they are at risk * I.e., don't be part of the small proportion that isn't getting regularly tested * Leverages social pressure to participate in retesting * Uses a relatable community member to deliver the message
Receives: Behavioral: Social norms messaging
Empowerment/goal-settingExperimentalA "nudge" message, based in behavioral economics theory, that adheres to the following core concepts: * Encouraging motivation of participants to set a goal for follow-up testing * Empowering individuals through promotion of HIV retesting
Receives: Behavioral: Empowerment messaging

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Feasibility of Locally Adapted Nudge Interventions for Inclusion in an Upcoming Randomized-controlled Trial (IBIS Megastudy RCT)

    The primary outcome from this pilot trial will be feasibility of the locally adapted nudge interventions, which will later be used in an upcoming RCT (IBIS Megastudy RCT) with a separate clinicaltrials.gov registration record (NCT06971367). Feasibility will be measured by the number of participants who successfully received the intervention in each study arm. The final nudge interventions which will be developed through this pilot trial will include local language and content refinement of the video and SMS scripts.

    Measured: 4 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Jan 2025
  2. Study start27 Mar 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Jul 2025
  4. Study completion31 Jul 2025

Why it stopped: On 5/1/25, the US NIH issued Notice: NOT-OD-25-104, which prohibited foreign subawards from being nested under a parent grant. Our pilot trial was scheduled for renewal on 8/1/25, and the NOA was delayed. Without funding, we had to halt the trial.

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Screening
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
98 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06785103
Sponsor's protocol ID
23-39197
Other IDs
R01MH132438
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
15 Jan 2025
Last updated
19 Oct 2026
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Investigators will share de-identified IPD from our baseline questionnaire, which includes questions about subject demographics and HIV risk.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Risk assessment messaging, U=U messaging and Healthy Living messaging in people with HIV, run by University of California, San Francisco at 2 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Kenya, Uganda. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 19 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Feasibility of Locally Adapted Nudge Interventions for Inclusion in an Upcoming Randomized-controlled Trial (IBIS Megastudy RCT) (time frame: 4 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.

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