Blake, Holly

Evans, Catrin

Juma, A.

Suggs, L. Suzanne

Turner, K.

Nottingham ePrints

Evans, C. and Turner, K. and Juma, A. and Suggs, L. Suzanne and Blake, Holly (2015) Text messaging to encourage uptake of HIV testing amongst African communities: findings from a theory-based feasibility study [abstract]. In: 11th UKSBM Annual Scientific Meeting: ‘Biology, Behaviour & Environment’, 8-9 December 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Access from the University of Nottingham repository: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/38451/1/2015%20Evans%20et%20al%20UKSBM%20Health4U%20Abstract.pdfCopyright and reuse: The Nottingham ePrints service makes this work by researchers of the University of Nottingham available open access under the following conditions.This article is made available under the University of Nottingham End User licence and may be reused according to the conditions of the licence.  For more details see: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/end_user_agreement.pdfA note on versions: The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher’s version. Please see the repository url above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription.For more information, please contact eprints@nottingham.ac.ukText messaging to encourage uptake of HIV testing amongst African communities: findings from a theory-based feasibility study In: UK Society for Behavioural Medicine, 11th Annual Scientific Meeting, 8-9 December 2015, Newcastle, UK. EVANS, C, TURNER, K, JUMA, A, SUGGS, L.S. and BLAKE, H, 2015.  Background There is a public health need to tackle high levels of undiagnosed (or late diagnosed) HIV amongst the UK’s African communities.  Aims To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using a text messaging intervention to encourage uptake of HIV testing amongst this population in a UK city.  Methods Participatory research adopting a mixed-methods design. Four distinct stages included: [1] Formative Research: Six focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess perceptions about HIV and to inform message development (n=48) using health behaviour change theory. [2] Message Development: SMS messages developed and tailored according to language, gender and religion.  [3] Intervention and outcomes: 172 participants recruited; all received 2 messages per week for 12 weeks. Data collected in pre and post questionnaire surveys assessing uptake of HIV testing, HIV-related attitudes and knowledge and perceived general health. [4] Evaluation: Acceptability and meaningfulness of the intervention were explored via semi-structured telephone interviews (n=21).  Results Follow up data was collected for 76 participants (44%). 8 (10.5%) reported having had an HIV test during/after the intervention. Risk perception remained low at pre and post-test. Non-significant improvements were observed in HIV-related knowledge (testing procedures and treatment availability) and attitudes towards HIV. Qualitative evaluation (n=21) showed that messages were perceived to be highly acceptable, useful and appropriately targeted.  Conclusions  SMS text messaging is an acceptable and feasible method of promoting HIV testing in African communities. Rate of testing uptake is comparable to other community-based strategies in this population.  

Text messaging to encourage uptake of HIV testing amongst African communities: findings from a theory-based feasibility study [abstract]

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