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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Feb 1;65(2):e50-7.
doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182a0a050.

Effect of text messaging to deter early resumption of sexual activity after male circumcision for HIV prevention: a randomized controlled trial

Thomas A Odeny  1 , Robert C Bailey, Elizabeth A Bukusi, Jane M Simoni, Kenneth A Tapia, Krista Yuhas, King K Holmes, R Scott McClelland
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of text messaging to deter early resumption of sexual activity after male circumcision for HIV prevention: a randomized controlled trial

Thomas A Odeny et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. .

Abstract

Background: Resumption of sex before complete wound healing after male circumcision may increase risk of postoperative surgical complications, and HIV acquisition and transmission. We aimed to determine the effect of text messaging to deter resumption of sex before 42 days postcircumcision.

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial where men older than18 years who owned mobile phones and had just undergone circumcision were randomized to receive a series of text messages (n = 600) or usual care (n = 600). The primary outcome was self-reported resumption of sex before 42 days.

Results: Sex before 42 days was reported by 139 of 491 (28.3%) men in the intervention group and 124 of 493 (25.2%) men in the control group [relative risk = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91 to 1.38, P = 0.3]. Men were more likely to resume early if they were married or had a live-in sexual partner [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.08, P < 0.01]; in the month before circumcision had 1 (aRR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.12, P = 0.02) or more than 1 (aRR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.66, P < 0.01) sexual partner(s); had primary school or lower education (aRR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.33 to 1.97, P< 0.001); were employed (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.72, P = 0.02); or were 21-30 years old (aRR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.47, P = 0.05), 31-40 years old (aRR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.18 to 3.09, P < 0.01), or older than 40 years (aRR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.97, P = 0.03) compared with younger than 21 years.

Conclusions: Text messaging as used in this trial did not reduce early resumption of sex after circumcision. We identified key risk factors for early resumption that need to be considered in circumcision programs.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Trial Profile
*The five men circumcised before the interview date were determined to be ineligible at the point of screening and were not included in the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Kaplan-Meier plot of the cumulative probability of self-reported resumption of sex
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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