A Mobile Gaming App to Improve Adherence to PrEP
A Multisite Randomized Trial of Viral Combat: A Mobile Gaming App to Improve Adherence to PrEP
Who can join
Ages 15 to 34 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 15-34 years old * English speaking * Initiated PrEP in the last 30 days or re-initiated PrEP after not taking PrEP for at least 1 month * HIV negative as per clinician and clinical record * Able to give consent/assent and not impaired by cognitive or medical limitations as per clinical assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * None
About the study
In this study, the investigators will test the mobile game, Viral Combat, for efficacy and acceptability among diverse participants, ages 15-34 years, receiving PrEP care in clinical settings in New England and Mississippi. Formative evaluation interviews will be conducted with stakeholders (healthcare workers, clinic administrators, and patients taking PrEP) to inform intervention delivery. Data from the formative interviews will also be used to make necessary adaptations to the game and assess acceptability for diverse populations and clinics. Viral Combat will then be further tested with 200 participants ages 15-34 years, receiving PrEP care at clinical sites in the South (n=100 Jackson, MS) and New England (n=100, Providence, RI; Boston, MA) in a multisite Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial (RCT). This trial will test the efficacy of the intervention compared to a control condition (a non-PrEP related game) on biological and behavioral measures. At the end of the trial, a summative evaluation of the implementation context using the i-PARIHS framework will occur. These interviews with study participants and clinic staff will inform future implementation and dissemination of Viral Combat.
What is being tested
- Multilevel Gaming Adherence Intervention (behavioral)
- Treatment as Usual + (behavioral)
Sponsor: Rhode Island Hospital · Participants: 200 · Started: Jun 21, 2024
Contact the study team
- Laura Whiteley, MD · Phone: (401)-455-6375
- James B Brock, MD · Phone: 601-984-5560
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05762705
Locations in the U.S.
| Massachusetts | Boston Medical Center, Boston |
| Mississippi | University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson |
| Rhode Island | Lifespan (The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital), Providence |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.