Using behavioural economics to improve testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

Reframing the content of SMS message to remind someone to get tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Participants will receive a SMS message e.g. Positive frame: "To stay healthy, regular testing is recommended. Phone for an appointment"; Negative frame: "Not testing regularly might harm your health. Phone for an appointment"; Social norm frame: "The majority of people receiving this message will attend for STI. Phone for an appointment". This message will be administered according to the client's predetermined frequency of reminders (i.e. every 3 or 6 or 12 months). Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) will send out the SMS. We will monitor whether clients are returning to MSHC within a month of receiving the message. If clients don't return to MSHC, they will receive a short SMS to see if they tested for STIs elsewhere. The framing of the message will be changed every month - so all individuals scheduled to receive a reminder in that month will receive that framed message. We will run the trial over 6 months with rotating messages (e.g. month 1 = social norm, month 2 = positive framing, month 3 = negative framing, month 4 = social norm, month 5 = positive framing, month 6 = negative framing).