Digital Intervention for HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new digital program, designed by survivors of sex trafficking, to increase testing for HIV, STIs, and hepatitis C, as well as the use of overdose prevention kits. It compares messages created by survivors with standard information to determine which is more effective. The trial seeks women in New York City who have survived sex trafficking, have recently used illicit substances, and feel safe participating. The goal is to make accessing vital health services easier for these women. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions tailored by survivors for survivors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that this digital intervention is safe for survivors of sex trafficking?
Research shows that digital tools can safely and effectively promote healthy habits. This trial focuses on a digital program created by sex trafficking survivors. Similar studies have found that such programs do not harm participants. Instead, they encourage actions like getting tested for HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C, and using overdose prevention kits.
Because this study uses digital messages, it poses no physical risk. The main goal is to assess how well these messages encourage testing and the use of prevention kits. Previous research suggests that digital programs are usually safe, as they primarily involve sharing information and offering support.
This trial does not test a new drug or treatment. It aims to find new ways to share important health information, so safety concerns are generally minimal.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this digital crowdsourced intervention because it offers a fresh approach to preventing and managing HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C. Unlike traditional methods that rely on standard informational materials, this intervention is developed by sex trafficking survivors, which means it is uniquely tailored and potentially more relatable to at-risk populations. By leveraging digital platforms, it promises to be more engaging and accessible, potentially leading to greater awareness and behavior change. This innovative method could transform how we approach education and prevention in vulnerable communities.
What evidence suggests that this digital intervention is effective for increasing HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose prevention among sex trafficking survivors?
This trial will compare a digital crowdsourced intervention, developed with input from sex trafficking survivors, to standard informational materials. Research has shown that digital tools created with survivors' input can increase their use of health services. This method involves collaborating with survivors to develop health messages tailored to their specific needs. Consequently, it may lead to more testing for HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C, and greater use of overdose prevention kits. Survivors often face challenges like insufficient information or funds, so these personalized and accessible digital tools can help. Early results suggest that when survivors contribute to the content, it resonates better with them and improves health outcomes. This approach appears to be a promising, affordable way to enhance access to essential healthcare services.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alissa Davis, PhD
Principal Investigator
Columbia University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for survivors of sex trafficking living in New York City who have high rates of HIV/STIs/HCV and substance use disorder. The study aims to help them overcome barriers to care by using a digital intervention developed through crowdsourcing.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention Development
Development of crowdsourced digital messages to promote HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose prevention services
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the survivor-crowdsourced intervention to existing public health messaging
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for linkage to care and service utilization
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sex Trafficking Survivor-Developed Digital Crowdsourced Intervention
Trial Overview
The trial tests if a digital, survivor-developed intervention can increase testing for HIV/STI/HCV and the use of overdose prevention kits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either this new intervention or existing public health messages.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
The digital crowdsourced intervention will be presented to participants in the intervention arm.
Standard informational materials about HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose prevention currently used by Departments of Health and other health organizations will be presented to participants in the control arm.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Columbia University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
HIV/STI/HCV Testing and Overdose Prevention Among ...
This project will assess whether a digital survivor crowdsourced intervention can increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose prevention kit ...
2.
reporter.nih.gov
reporter.nih.gov/search/14EBC10F4A88C0D57598B8961CAA4A01A2FFCEB861BF/project-details/11161850Project Details
This project will assess whether a digital survivor crowdsourced intervention can increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose prevention kit utilization among ...
The Social - Survivors of sex trafficking have high rates ...
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Bipoc Sex Trafficked Disabled Women: A Survivor-Led Collaborative Study ... Analyzing Telemental Health Service Modality Effects on Treatment Engagement Using ...
Digital Technologies and Human Trafficking: Combating ...
This paper describes a qualitative study that interrogates the types of technology-facilitated coercive control faced by survivors of human trafficking.
SoK: A Framework for Unifying At-Risk User Research
A growing body of research has explored how the digital-safety needs of at-risk users may be unmet by existing security, privacy, and safety ...
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