A Pilot RCT Evaluating InThistoGether, an MHealth HIV Prevention Program for Ugandan Youth

Despite data suggesting that older adolescence is an important period of risk for HIV acquisition in Uganda, tailored HIV prevention programming is lacking. To address this gap, we developed and tested nationally, InThistoGether (ITG), a text messaging-based HIV prevention program for 18-22 year-old Ugandan youth. To assess feasibility and acceptability, and preliminary indications of behavior change, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 202 youth. Participants were assigned either to ITG or an attention-matched control group that promoted general health (e.g., self-esteem). They were recruited between December 2017 and April 2018 on Facebook and Instagram, and enrolled over the telephone. Between 5-10 text messages were sent daily for seven weeks. Twelve weeks later, the intervention ended with a one-week 'booster' that reviewed the main program topics. Measures were assessed at baseline and intervention end, 5 months post-randomization. Results suggest that ITG is feasible: The retention rate was 83%. Ratings for the content and program features met acceptability thresholds; program experience ratings were mixed. ITG also was associated with significantly higher rates of condom-protected sex (aIRR = 1.68, p < 0.001) and odds of HIV testing (aOR = 2.41, p = 0.03) compared to the control group. The odds of abstinence were similar by experimental arm however (aOR = 1.08, p = 0.86). Together, these data suggest reason for optimism that older adolescent Ugandans are willing to engage in an intensive, text messaging-based HIV prevention programming. Given its wide reach and low cost, text messaging should be better utilized as an intervention delivery tool in low-income settings like Uganda. Findings also suggest that ITG may be associated with behavior change in the short-term. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID# NCT02729337).