ATN 139: Get Connected, a multi-level tailored web app that promotes HIV/STI testing, has published the study’s primary outcomes in BMC Public Health, marking a significant milestone. Read the publication here.
Get Connected was a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants randomized to the intervention condition that was called Get Connected Plus received tailored online content specific to their demographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, location, relationship status), HIV/STI testing history (substance use, and communication with partners regarding status), and social context (homelessness, incarceration). Participants randomized to the control condition only had access to the Get Connected Testing Locator feature of the web app, which provided information on HIV prevention services via AIDSVu.org.
As part of the study’s formative work, mystery shoppers in Atlanta, Houston, and Philadelphia visited each testing site separately and completed a standardized assessment of their visit. To learn more, check out this infographic summarizing the mystery shopper formative work. In an additional phase of the study, site directors from 10 randomly selected testing sites in each city were also interviewed to assess sites’ satisfaction with biannual site reports reflecting mystery shopper and participant ratings of their site.
The study found that both Get Connected Plus and the Get Connected Treatment Locator help promote routine HIV and STI testing. However, the data also suggested that a one-size fits all approach to evaluating interventions may be inadequate. When assessing their efficacy, it is crucial to consider the context where digital tools are implemented and the level of user engagement.
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