Appointment reminders to increase uptake of HIV retesting by at-risk individuals: a randomized controlled study in Thailand.

Introduction: Frequent HIV testing of at-risk individuals is crucial to detect and treat infections early and prevent transmissions. We assessed the effect of reminders on HIV retesting uptake.

Methods: The study was conducted within a programme involving four facilities providing free-of-charge HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C testing and counselling in northern Thailand.

Impact of Counseling Methods on HIV Retesting Uptake in At-Risk Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Systematic face-to-face pre-HIV test counseling is costly and may discourage clients to present for regular testing. In a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial conducted in four facilities providing free-of-charge anonymous HIV testing in Thailand, participants received either: standard counseling according to national guidelines (reference); computer-assisted counseling: interactive counseling on a tablet computer followed by an invitation to ask questions to the counselor; or on-demand counseling: invitation to ask questions to the counselor. Primary endpoint was a HIV retest within 7 months after enrolment visit.