scholarly journals Evaluation of a Text Messaging-Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A Gerend ◽  
Krystal Madkins ◽  
Shariell Crosby ◽  
Aaron K Korpak ◽  
Gregory L Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related anal cancer. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, HPV vaccine uptake among young MSM remains low. Purpose This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a text messaging-based HPV vaccination intervention for young sexual minority men. Methods In 2018, unvaccinated sexual minority men aged 18–25 years were recruited from Chicago to participate in a 9 month sexual health program called txt2protect. Participants (N = 150) were randomized to the intervention or control condition. Intervention condition messages focused primarily on HPV vaccination, with only a brief mention of other sexual health practices (e.g., condom use and HIV testing), while control condition messages focused on a variety of sexual health practices with only a brief mention of HPV vaccination. Participants received daily text messages for the first 3 weeks and monthly text messages for the remaining ~8 months of the trial. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 3 week and 9 month follow-ups. Results Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Although trial retention was high (with over 88% completing the 9 month survey), the study fell short of meeting its recruitment goal. HPV vaccine series initiation was significantly higher among intervention participants (19.4%) compared to control participants (6.6%), odds ratio = 3.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 10.08. Conclusions Findings suggest that txt2protect is an acceptable and potentially promising intervention for increasing HPV vaccine initiation among young sexual minority men. Clinical Trial Registration NCT02994108.

scholarly journals A Web-Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intervention for Young Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/16294 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e16294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul L Reiter ◽  
Amy L Gower ◽  
Dale E Kiss ◽  
Molly A Malone ◽  
Mira L Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Web

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men experience several disparities related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, including high incidence rates of anal cancer. Although the HPV vaccine is currently recommended for young adults, HPV vaccine coverage is modest among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM). Objective We describe the design and methods for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to rigorously evaluate Outsmart HPV, a population-targeted, individually tailored, Web-based HPV vaccination intervention for YGBMSM. The RCT is designed to determine the efficacy of the intervention, the mechanism by which the intervention has an effect (ie, mediation), and whether efficacy varies by participant characteristics (ie, moderation). Methods Outsmart HPV was previously developed and pilot-tested. This study is a 3-arm prospective RCT that will enroll a projected 1995 YGBMSM who are aged 18 to 25 years, live in the United States, and have not received any doses of the HPV vaccine. Participants will be recruited by means of paid advertisements on social media sites and randomized to receive (1) standard information on the Web about HPV vaccine (control group), (2) Outsmart HPV content on the Web with monthly unidirectional vaccination reminders sent via text messages, or (3) Outsmart HPV content on the Web with monthly interactive vaccination reminders sent via text messages. Participants will complete Web-based surveys at 4 time points during the study: baseline, immediately after engaging with Web-based content, 3 months after randomization, and 9 months after randomization. Primary outcomes will include both HPV vaccine initiation (ie, receipt of 1 or more doses of the HPV vaccine) and completion (receipt of all 3 doses recommended for this age range). We will examine constructs from the intervention’s theoretical framework as potential mediators and demographic and health-related characteristics as potential moderators of intervention effects. Results The institutional review board at The Ohio State University has approved the study. Materials have been developed and finalized for all study groups. Recruitment for the RCT began in fall 2019. Conclusions If shown to be efficacious, Outsmart HPV has the potential to fill an important gap by promoting HPV vaccination among a population at increased risk of HPV infection and HPV-related disease. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04032106; http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04032106 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/16294

scholarly journals The acceptability and feasibility of a pilot study examining the impact of a mobile technology-based intervention informed by behavioral economics to improve HIV knowledge and testing frequency among Latinx sexual minority men and transgender women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Alexandra Mendoza-Graf ◽  
Zachary Wagner ◽  
Joanna L. Barreras ◽  
Alice Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Economics ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background We developed a novel intervention that uses behavioral economics incentives and mobile-health text messages to increase HIV knowledge and testing frequency among Latinx sexual minority men and Latinx transgender women. Here we provide a theoretically-grounded assessment regarding the intervention’s acceptability and feasibility. Methods We conducted 30-min exit interviews with a stratified sample of participants (n = 26 Latinx sexual minority men, 15 Latinx transgender women), supplemented with insights from study staff (n = 6). All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated for a content analysis using Dedoose. Cohen’s Kappa was 89.4% across coded excerpts. We evaluated acceptability based on how participants cognitively and emotionally reacted to the intervention and whether they considered it to be appropriate. We measured feasibility based on resource, scientific and process assessments (e.g., functionality of text messaging service, feedback on study recruitment procedures and surveys). Results Regarding acceptability, most participants clearly understood the intervention as a program to receive information about HIV prevention methods through text messages. Participants who did not complete the intervention shared they did not fully understand what it entailed at their initial enrollment, and thought it was a one-time engagement and not an ongoing program. Though some participants with a higher level of education felt the information was simplistic, most appreciated moving beyond a narrow focus on HIV to include general information on sexually transmitted infections; drug use and impaired sexual decision-making; and differential risks associated with sexual positions and practices. Latinx transgender women in particular appreciated receiving information about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. While participants didn’t fully understand the exact chances of winning a prize in the quiz component, most enjoyed the quizzes and chance of winning a prize. Participants appreciated that the intervention required a minimal time investment. Participants shared that the intervention was generally culturally appropriate. Regarding feasibility, most participants reported the text message platform worked well though inactive participants consistently said technical difficulties led to their disengagement. Staff shared that clients had varying reactions to being approached while being tested for HIV, with some unwilling to enroll and others being very open and curious about the program. Both staff and participants relayed concerns regarding the length of the recruitment process and study surveys. Conclusions Our theoretically-grounded assessment shows the intervention is both acceptable and feasible. Trial registration The trial was registered on May 5, 2017 with the ClinicalTrials.gov registry [NCT03144336].

Evidence-Based Approaches to HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men’s Sexual Health

2019 ◽  
pp. 339-358
Author(s):  
Audrey Harkness ◽  
Steven A. Safren
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
State Of Research

This chapter reviews the current state of research and theory regarding evidence-based sexual health interventions for HIV-positive sexual minority men. Among HIV-positive sexual minority men, sexual health promotion includes reducing sexual behavior that could lead to HIV transmission, increasing adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) medication to attain viral load suppression, and addressing psychosocial and contextual factors that impact both of these health behaviors. The chapter reviews evidence-based behavioral approaches to promote sexual minority men’s sexual health, including those focused on increasing condom use, reducing sexual risk, and improving communication about HIV status. It also discusses interventions to improve ART adherence, which promote HIV-positive sexual minority men’s personal health and serve as a secondary prevention intervention via reducing transmissibility. The chapter concludes with an illustration of an evidence-based intervention with an HIV-positive client. Overarching clinical implications and areas for future research regarding HIV-positive sexual minority men’s sexual health are also discussed.

scholarly journals Sexual Behaviors and HIV/STI Prevention Strategies Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador Who Use Geosocial Networking Apps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Hermosa-Bosano ◽  
Clara Paz ◽  
Paula Hidalgo-Andrade ◽  
Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Geosocial Networking Apps

AbstractAround the world, geosocial networking apps have become widely popular among sexual minority men (SMM). This research analyzed the sexual behaviors and HIV and STI prevention strategies (HIV/STI testing, HIV/STI inquiry, and HIV/STI disclosure) of an online-recruited sample of 284 SMM living in Ecuador. Sexting and oral sex were the most common sexual behaviors among SMM in the sample. Most participants had low perceptions of HIV and STI risk; 85% reported being tested for HIV and 70% for STIs. Being older predicted higher odds of being tested for either HIV or STIs at least once. Being single also predicted HIV testing. Future interventions in the country should explore apps’ utility as intervention tools to spread information about sexual health and HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use and event-driven PrEP. Apps can also facilitate connections to sexual health services, including programs for PrEP initiation and linkage to HIV treatment. They should also focus on promoting sexual harm reduction conversations among potential app-met sexual partners.

scholarly journals Transmission reduction and prevention with HPV vaccination (TRAP-HPV) study protocol: a randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of HPV vaccination in preventing transmission of HPV infection in heterosexual couples

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e039383
Author(s):  
Aaron MacCosham ◽  
Mariam El-Zein ◽  
Ann N Burchell ◽  
Pierre-Paul Tellier ◽  
François Coutlée ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Institutional Review Boards ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Transmission Reduction ◽  
Hpv Types ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a causal agent of malignancies including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancer, as well as benign conditions such as anogenital warts. HPV vaccination protects individuals against infections with the target HPV types and their clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the protection an immunised individual confers to their sexual partner or its impact on HPV transmission dynamics. In this context, the Transmission Reduction and Prevention with HPV vaccination (TRAP-HPV) study was designed to determine the efficacy of an HPV vaccine in reducing transmission of genital and oral HPV infection in sexual partners of vaccinated individuals.Methods and analysisThe TRAP-HPV study is an ongoing randomised controlled trial among heterosexual couples living in Montreal, Canada. Sexually active couples, aged between 18 and 45 years, who have been in a relationship no longer than 6 months are considered eligible. Participants are independently randomised to receive either the intervention HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, or a placebo hepatitis A vaccine, Avaxim, creating four vaccination groups among couples: intervention–intervention, intervention–placebo, placebo–intervention and the placebo–placebo. Participants provide genital (vaginal/penile) and oral samples at baseline and five follow-up visits over a 1-year duration. Linear Array HPV genotyping is used to detect 36 HPV types. Cox proportional hazard regression models will be used to estimate the effect of vaccination on HPV transmission.Ethics and disseminationThe TRAP-HPV study received ethical approval by institutional review boards McGill University, Concordia University and Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Before enrolment, all participants provide informed written consent. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. The generated empirical evidence could be used in mathematical models of vaccination to inform policymakers in Canada and elsewhere.Trial registration numberNCT01824537.

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