Effectiveness and Implementation of Text Messaging to Improve HIV Testing in Adolescents

Our intervention will be an updated version of (Guy2Guy) G2G, a 2014 text messaging-based healthy sexuality and HIV prevention program specifically for adolescent males. The treatment arm of G2G was guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model and proved to be efficacious at increasing HIV testing in 13-18 year old adolescent males. In this updated version we will continue to utilize the IMB model, but modernize the content to include updated HIV prevention information (e.g., novel methods of HIV testing, PrEP, PEP) and tailor the text-message content to meet the needs of all adolescents.

This information only control arm will consist of content and text messages focused on health behavior information, including mood, sexual health, substance use, and other health behaviors. It will be identical in length to the intervention arm.