scholarly journals Exploring the preferences of a culturally congruent, peer-based HIV prevention intervention for black men who have sex with men

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek T. Dangerfield II ◽  
Nina T. Harawa ◽  
Charles McWells ◽  
Charles Hilliard ◽  
Ricky N. Bluthenthal
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men

Background HIV testing, treatment initiation and treatment adherence have been emphasised for Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). However, many BMSM do not get tested, obtain HIV treatment or adhere to treatment. It is essential to highlight barriers to HIV testing, treatment adherence and the ideal components for an intervention: peer mentors, socioeconomic resources and participant incentives. Methods: Five focus groups (n = 24) were conducted among HIV-negative and HIV-positive BMSM aged ≥18 years in Los Angeles, California, USA to explore motivations and barriers to testing and treatment and the components of an ideal, culturally competent HIV testing intervention for BMSM. Results: Barriers to HIV testing included fear and stigma associated with discovering a HIV-positive status and drug use. Motivations for testing included experiencing symptoms, beginning new relationships, perceptions of risk and peer mentors. Conclusions: Future HIV prevention and treatment efforts should consider these components to improve health outcomes among BMSM.

scholarly journals Small Randomized Controlled Trial of the New Passport to Wellness HIV Prevention Intervention for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (BMSM)

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-324
Author(s):  
Nina T. Harawa ◽  
Katrina M. Schrode ◽  
Charles McWells ◽  
Robert E. Weiss ◽  
Charles L. Hilliard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

We developed and tested Passport to Wellness (PtW), a client-centered intervention to improve engagement in HIV/STI prevention and services to improve social determinants of health among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) using incentives and peer support. We assessed PtW's impact on HIV/STI screening and pre/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) knowledge/uptake using a randomized trial that compared the full intervention to one lacking peer support. We compared changes within groups surveyed at baseline and 6 months. We enrolled 80 eligible BMSM, among 399 screened. Among retained participants (34 peer-supported; 27 comparison), overall increases were observed in HIV (30% to 87% p < .001) and STI (28% to 80% p < .001) testing within the prior 6 months, as well as in PrEP and PEP awareness, and PrEP use. Statistically significant between group differences were not observed. Tailored prevention planning, incentives, and addressing social determinants may help move Black MSM along the HIV prevention continuum.

scholarly journals An Internet-Based, Peer-Delivered Messaging Intervention for HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in India (CHALO!): Pilot Randomized Comparative Trial

10.2196/16494 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e16494
Author(s):  
Viraj V Patel ◽  
Shruta Rawat ◽  
Alpana Dange ◽  
Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger ◽  
Sarit A Golub
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Comparative Trial ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Desirable Outcome ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Leveraging internet-based communication tools (eg, messaging apps, SMS text messaging, and email) may be an effective avenue for delivery of HIV prevention messages to men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, but there are limited models for such internet-based interventions. Objective The CHALO! pilot was an online educational and behavioral intervention aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a peer-delivered, internet-based messaging intervention for HIV testing and consistent condom use for MSM in India. The messages addressed barriers to HIV testing and condom use and were theoretically based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. Methods Between February and March 2015, we recruited, enrolled, and randomized 244 participants via online advertisements on mobile dating apps and Facebook. Eligible men (18 years or older, sexually active with other men, and self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status) were randomized to receive educational and motivational messages framed as either approach (ie, a desirable outcome to be achieved) or avoidance (an undesirable outcome to be avoided) over 12 weeks via internet-based messaging platforms. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and immediately postintervention. Results Participants were similar across arms with respect to sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Over 82.0% (200/244) of participants were retained (ie, viewed final messages), and 52.3% (130/244) of them completed the follow-up survey. Of those completing the follow-up survey, 82.3% (107/130) liked or strongly liked participating in CHALO!. The results showed a significant increase in self-reported HIV testing in the past 6 months from baseline to follow-up (41/130, 31.5% to 57/130, 43.8%; P=.04). When including those who reported intentions to test, this percentage increased from 44.6% (58/130) at baseline to 65.4% (85/130) at follow-up (P<.01). When examining intentions to test among those without prior HIV testing, intentions increased from 32% (16/50) of the sample at baseline to 56% (28/50) of the sample at follow-up (P=.02). Condom use during anal sex did not significantly change from baseline to follow-up. HIV testing and condom use did not significantly differ between approach and avoidance conditions at follow-up. Conclusions As one of the first studies of an online HIV prevention intervention for Indian MSM, CHALO! was feasible to implement by a community-based organization, was acceptable to participants, and demonstrated potential to improve HIV testing rates.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an HIV Prevention Intervention Adapted for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

2008 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1043-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth T. Jones ◽  
Phyllis Gray ◽  
Y. Omar Whiteside ◽  
Terry Wang ◽  
Debra Bost ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Prevention Intervention ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals An Internet-Based, Peer-Delivered Messaging Intervention for HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in India (CHALO!): Pilot Randomized Comparative Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viraj V Patel ◽  
Shruta Rawat ◽  
Alpana Dange ◽  
Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger ◽  
Sarit A Golub
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Comparative Trial ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Desirable Outcome ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Leveraging internet-based communication tools (eg, messaging apps, SMS text messaging, and email) may be an effective avenue for delivery of HIV prevention messages to men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, but there are limited models for such internet-based interventions. OBJECTIVE The CHALO! pilot was an online educational and behavioral intervention aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a peer-delivered, internet-based messaging intervention for HIV testing and consistent condom use for MSM in India. The messages addressed barriers to HIV testing and condom use and were theoretically based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. METHODS Between February and March 2015, we recruited, enrolled, and randomized 244 participants via online advertisements on mobile dating apps and Facebook. Eligible men (18 years or older, sexually active with other men, and self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status) were randomized to receive educational and motivational messages framed as either approach (ie, a desirable outcome to be achieved) or avoidance (an undesirable outcome to be avoided) over 12 weeks via internet-based messaging platforms. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and immediately postintervention. RESULTS Participants were similar across arms with respect to sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Over 82.0% (200/244) of participants were retained (ie, viewed final messages), and 52.3% (130/244) of them completed the follow-up survey. Of those completing the follow-up survey, 82.3% (107/130) liked or strongly liked participating in CHALO!. The results showed a significant increase in self-reported HIV testing in the past 6 months from baseline to follow-up (41/130, 31.5% to 57/130, 43.8%; <i>P</i>=.04). When including those who reported intentions to test, this percentage increased from 44.6% (58/130) at baseline to 65.4% (85/130) at follow-up (<i>P</i>&lt;.01). When examining intentions to test among those without prior HIV testing, intentions increased from 32% (16/50) of the sample at baseline to 56% (28/50) of the sample at follow-up (<i>P</i>=.02). Condom use during anal sex did not significantly change from baseline to follow-up. HIV testing and condom use did not significantly differ between approach and avoidance conditions at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS As one of the first studies of an online HIV prevention intervention for Indian MSM, CHALO! was feasible to implement by a community-based organization, was acceptable to participants, and demonstrated potential to improve HIV testing rates.

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