Nudges to Promote Syphilis Testing

Abstract

The number of reported syphilis cases has surged since the mid-2010s, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment through testing. This study examines whether nudging messages can increase individuals’ willingness to undergo syphilis testing. We conducted a randomized controlled trial via an online survey to evaluate the effects of five behaviorally informed messages on screening intentions. Our findings indicate that messages framing syphilis-related health risks as a potential loss for oneself or one’s partner—such as “Your actions could lead to the infection of someone you care about”—significantly increased testing intentions. Further heterogeneity analysis revealed that this altruism-driven message was effective across various demographic groups, regardless of gender, age, prior knowledge of syphilis, educational background, or relationship status.