NCT06088277 · Boston University
Texting to Reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Risk
What this study is about
This is a 3-year study to test the effectiveness of a text message-based intervention program. Dental patients at 4 community health centers (n= 266) will be randomly assigned to receive either text messages (TMs) regarding HIV prevention or TMs regarding overall wellness.
View original scientific description
This is a 3-year study to test the efficacy of a text message-based intervention program. Dental patients at 4 community health centers (n= 266) will be randomized to receive either text messages (TMs) regarding HIV prevention or TMs regarding overall wellness. Prior to enrolling the 266 participants, the investigators will conduct a feasibility pilot (n=20) to test the TM delivery as well as all study procedures. For both the pilot and the randomized clinical trial (RCT), recruitment will be conducted at 4 Community Health Center dental clinics (Codman Square, East Boston (both East Boston and South End locations), Geiger Gibson, and Upham's Community Health Centers). Recruitment materials (flyers and permission to contact forms) may also be made available at other clinics within the health centers. The study will enroll English and Spanish-speaking patients who have at least one risk factor for HIV but are HIV-negative. Patients enrolled in the pilot will complete self-report surveys at baseline, 1 and 2 months. Participants enrolled in the RCT will complete self-report surveys baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline; receive and respond to TM assessments during the 6-month intervention.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Give informed consent and document consent via a signed and dated informed consent form in REDCap
- Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study
- Be able to read either in English or Spanish
- Be a dental clinic patient of record at one of our participating community health centers
- Has at least one risk factor for HIV defined as self-report of at least one of the following: Men who have sex with men; multiple sex partners, or intravenous drug use
Exclusion criteria
- Self-report of having HIV infection
- Participating in another HIV study or another text message study
- A woman who reports having sex exclusively with women
- Does not have a mobile phone or other device which can receive text messages from Agile Health
- Does not have unlimited texting on their mobile plan
- Has not used any type of text messaging at least once in the past month
- Single item literacy screening score of 2 or below.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations