RecruitingInterventional

Reducing sexually transmitted infections amongst those at highest risk

The Halo study is looking at new ways to help young people aged 16-24 protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many young people get STIs, but consistently using condoms can prevent this. An online tool called Halo has been developed with young people to encourage better condom use. This study will involve 3,576 young people who use STI testing websites. Half will get the usual health advice from these sites, and the other half will get the usual advice plus access to Halo. Researchers want to find out if using Halo helps reduce chlamydia infections and if it's a good way to spend healthcare money. Participants will take STI tests and complete surveys over a year.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

3,576

Start

07 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

What is this study about?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a big health concern, especially for young people in the UK. In 2023, there were over 400,000 cases, with nearly half of these in people aged 15-24. While condoms are a very effective way to prevent STIs, many young people don't use them every time they have sex. Currently, online STI testing services don't offer much help on how to avoid future infections.

That's where the Halo study comes in. Working with young people and health experts, a new online tool called Halo has been created. Halo is designed to help young people use condoms correctly and consistently to reduce their risk of getting STIs. The main goal of this study is to see if Halo actually works. To do this, researchers are running a trial with almost 3,600 young people aged 16-24 who use online STI testing services.

Participants will be split into two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will get the usual information about preventing STIs from the websites. The other group will get this usual information PLUS access to the Halo tool. By comparing the two groups, the study hopes to find out if adding Halo makes a real difference in reducing chlamydia infections and if it's a cost-effective solution for reducing STIs in young people. The study runs from November 2024 to October 2028 and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Key takeaways

New online tool (Halo) aims to help young people prevent STIs.
Study tests if Halo helps reduce chlamydia in 16-24 year olds.
Compares standard care to standard care plus Halo.
Involves home STI testing and online surveys over 12 months.
Participants receive gift vouchers for their time.
Focuses on improving sexual health in a discreet and supportive way.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 16 to 24 years old. You need to live in one of the specific local areas taking part in the study and have recently ordered an STI testing kit online from SH.UK, FreeTest.me, or SHL.UK.

To join, you also need to have your own mobile phone and access to the internet. You should be able to read and understand English. If you don't expect to have penetrative sex (sex involving a penis in the vagina or anus) during the next year, or if you don't feel you can commit to the study for a whole year, then this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 24 years old?
Do you live in an area where the study is taking place?
Have you recently ordered an STI self-testing kit online from SH.UK, FreeTest.me, or SHL.UK?
Do you have your own mobile phone and access to the internet?
Can you read and understand English?
Are you willing and able to commit to the study for a full year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be asked to take an STI test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using a home testing kit at the very beginning, then again after 3 months, and finally at 12 months. You'll also complete surveys that ask about any STI diagnoses, how often you use condoms, and your general quality of life. These surveys will be done at the start, then at 3, 6, and 12 months. All participants will get access to either the standard STI prevention website or the website plus the Halo tool, and you can use these as much as you like. As a thank you for your time and effort, you'll receive gift vouchers for completing the study activities. The total commitment will be over a 12-month period.

Potential risks and benefits

A benefit of taking part is gaining access to an online tool (either standard care or standard care plus Halo) that aims to help you protect your sexual health. You will also receive gift vouchers for taking time to complete the study tasks. The risks involved are generally low and similar to everyday activities. Researchers will be careful to keep your information private, so there's little chance of anyone accidentally finding out you're sexually active or testing for STIs. Some survey questions about your sexual wellbeing might be upsetting for some people, but you don't have to answer any questions you're uncomfortable with. If you do find any questions difficult, you'll get an email with information about where to find support. There's also a small chance you might feel embarrassed or distressed if you get a positive STI test result and need to go to a local sexual health clinic, or if you experience side effects from STI treatment. However, these are managed by healthcare professionals as part of normal care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Preventx Ltd
City only
Sheffield, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of the Halo study?

The goal is to see if an online tool called Halo can help young people use condoms more consistently and reduce their risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially chlamydia.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 16-24 who live in certain areas, have recently ordered an online STI test, have a mobile phone and internet access, and can read English.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll take STI tests at home at the start, 3 months, and 12 months. You'll also fill out online surveys about your sexual health and wellbeing at the start, 3, 6, and 12 months. You'll get access to an online tool for preventing STIs.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive gift vouchers as a thank you for completing the different parts of the study, like the tests and surveys.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, the study team will communicate with you discreetly to protect your privacy and minimise the risk of anyone finding out you're taking part in an STI study.

How to find out more

Public Contact

halo@herts.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.