scholarly journals Randomised controlled trial of incentives to improve online survey completion among internet-using men who have sex with men

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Hall ◽  
Travis Sanchez ◽  
Rob Stephenson ◽  
Aryeh D Stein ◽  
Robert Craig Sineath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prevention Research ◽  
Incentive Group ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundHIV prevention research often involves the use of online surveys as data collection instruments. Incomplete responses to these surveys can introduce bias. We aimed to develop and assess innovative methods to incentivise respondents to complete surveys.MethodsAdult men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the USA were recruited through banner advertisements on Facebook from 27 April 2015 to 6 May 2015 to participate in an online survey about HIV prevention and risk behaviours. Participants were randomised to one of four conditions: a monetary incentive; a series of altruistic messages highlighting the importance of participating in research; access to a dashboard comparing their responses with statistics from other participants after completion; and no incentive. Kaplan-Meier survival methods and univariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate survey dropout by incentive group and demographic variables of interest.ResultsThere were a total of 1178 participants randomised to the four treatment groups. The rate of survey dropout among participants in the altruistic (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.93), monetary (HR=0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.61) and dashboard (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.06) groups was lower than the non-incentivised control group. Regardless of condition, survey dropout was also lower among MSM aged 28–34 (HR=0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.90) compared with those aged 18–22 years old, and MSM who were white (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.02) compared with non-white participants.ConclusionMonetary incentives and altruistic messaging can improve survey completion in online behavioural HIV prevention research among MSM.Trial registration numberNCT02139566.

scholarly journals Enhancing help-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men at risk for sexually transmitted infections: the syn.bas.in randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roeland Christiaan Alfons Achterbergh ◽  
Martijn S van Rooijen ◽  
Wim van den Brink ◽  
Anders Boyd ◽  
Henry John Christiaan de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for STIs and mental disorders. Syndemic theory holds that psychosocial issues co-occur and interact, and thus increase sexual risk behaviour. Psychosocial issue identification, referral and management might reduce risk behaviour.MethodsIn the syndemic-based intervention study, an open-label randomised controlled trial, MSM were enrolled at the STI outpatient clinic of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam. We screened participants using validated questionnaires on the following problem domains: alcohol and substance use, sexual compulsivity, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alexithymia, intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse. Individuals were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either tailored, face-to-face feedback and help-seeking advice on mental health screening, or no feedback and no help-seeking advice. Participants were followed trimonthly for a year. The primary outcomes were self-reported and confirmed help-seeking behaviour.ResultsWe included 155 MSM: 76 in the intervention group and 79 in the control group. At inclusion, 128 participants (83.1%) scored positive in at least one problem domain. We found no significant differences in self-reported or confirmed help-seeking behaviour between the intervention and the control group: 41% vs 29% (p=0.14) and 28% vs 22% (p=0.44), respectively. There were also no differences in STI incidence and condomless anal sex acts between the two groups.ConclusionScreening showed high prevalence of problems related to mental health and substance use, while tailored feedback, advice and referral did not significantly increase help-seeking behaviour. Other interventions are needed to tackle the high burden of mental disorders among MSM.Trial registration numberNCT02859935.

Randomised controlled trial of a sexual risk reduction intervention for STI prevention among men who have sex with men in the USA

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A Eaton ◽  
Seth C Kalichman ◽  
Moira O Kalichman ◽  
Daniel D Driffin ◽  
Robert Baldwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Sexual Risk Reduction ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Risk Reduction Intervention ◽  
Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesNovel interventions to address sexual risk taking and slow rates of STIs are urgently needed, in particular among black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA. Serosorting, or limiting condomless sex acts to partners of the same HIV status, is commonly practised among MSM, yet can lead to STI and remains largely unaddressed by public health agencies.MethodsA two-arm, randomised controlled trial was conducted from 2012 to 2015. This trial assessed the effects of a single-session, sexual partner selection and risk decision intervention (experimental arm) versus a single-session, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based, sexual risk reduction intervention (control arm) on psychosocial measures, sexual risk taking and STI.ResultsAt study follow-ups, multiple beneficial changes were observed on sexual risk beliefs measures (ie, changes in serosorting and condom use beliefs, and HIV risk perceptions) and sexual risk taking among the experimental arm relative to the control arm. Overall main effects, however, of the intervention on STI outcomes on year-long follow-ups were non-significant. There was evidence for short-term effects on STI outcomes, and self-report of multiple STIs and STI symptoms demonstrated positive effects over the follow-up period.ConclusionsBrief interventions to address sexual risk taking can result in short-term beneficial outcomes and can be incorporated into currently existing infrastructure at healthcare agencies. Additional intervention will be necessary for demonstrating long-term results.Trial registration numberNCT02128594.

scholarly journals Financial disincentives? A three-armed randomised controlled trial of the effect of financial Incentives in Diabetic Eye Assessment by Screening (IDEAS) trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (8) ◽  
pp. 1014-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaby Judah ◽  
Ara Darzi ◽  
Ivo Vlaev ◽  
Laura Gunn ◽  
Derek King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attendance Rates ◽  
Incentive Group ◽  
Eye Screening ◽  
Diabetic Eye Screening ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveConflicting evidence exists regarding the impact of financial incentives on encouraging attendance at medical screening appointments. The primary aim was to determine whether financial incentives increase attendance at diabetic eye screening in persistent non-attenders.Methods and analysisA three-armed randomised controlled trial was conducted in London in 2015. 1051 participants aged over 16 years, who had not attended eye screening appointments for 2 years or more, were randomised (1.4:1:1 randomisation ratio) to receive the usual invitation letter (control), an offer of £10 cash for attending screening (fixed incentive) or a 1 in 100 chance of winning £1000 (lottery incentive) if they attend. The primary outcome was the proportion of invitees attending screening, and a comparative analysis was performed to assess group differences. Pairwise comparisons of attendance rates were performed, using a conservative Bonferroni correction for independent comparisons.Results34/435 (7.8%) of control, 17/312 (5.5%) of fixed incentive and 10/304 (3.3%) of lottery incentive groups attended. Participants who received any incentive were significantly less likely to attend their appointment compared with controls (risk ratio (RR)=0.56; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.92). Those in the probabilistic incentive group (RR=0.42; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.98), but not the fixed incentive group (RR=1.66; 95% CI 0.65 to 4.21), were significantly less likely to attend than those in the control group.ConclusionFinancial incentives, particularly lottery-based incentives, attract fewer patients to diabetic eye screening than standard invites in this population. Financial incentives should not be used to promote screening unless tested in context, as they may negatively affect attendance rates.

scholarly journals “La Familia” HIV prevention program: A focus on disclosure and family acceptance for Latino immigrant MSM to the USA

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (Supl.4) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita M Melendez ◽  
Jorge Zepeda ◽  
Rafael Samaniego ◽  
Deepalika Chakravarty ◽  
Gabriela Alaniz
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Latino Immigrant ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Family Acceptance ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Sex With Men

Objective. The objective of this study was to pilot test and evaluate a HIV prevention program that used a Freirean approach to engage Latino immigrant MSM (men who have sex with men) on issues of sexual orientation, family acceptance, stigma as well as HIV prevention and sexual risk behaviors. Materials and methods. Participants were evaluated using a survey before and after participation in the program and compared to a control group. Focus groups where participants discussed their experiences in the program as well as perceptions of the program were held and analyzed. Results. Survey results indicate that after their participation in the program, participants increased their safer sex behaviors, comfort disclosing their sexual orientation and support from friends. Conclusions. HIV prevention needs to incorporate cultural, social and structural factors.

scholarly journals A three-arm randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a positive psychology and social networking intervention in promoting mental health among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Li ◽  
P. K. H. Mo ◽  
C. W. Kahler ◽  
J. T. F. Lau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Aims There is a lack of mental health promotion and treatment services targeting HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIVMSM) in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health promotion efficacy of an online intervention that combined Three Good Things (TGT) with electronic social networking (TGT-SN) and an intervention that used TGT only (TGT-only), compared with a control group. Methods We conducted a randomised controlled trial among HIVMSM in Chengdu, China. The participants were randomly assigned to the TGT-SN, TGT-only, and control groups. The participants in the TGT-SN group were divided into five social network groups and asked to post brief messages to the group about three good things that they had experienced and for which they felt grateful. The participants in the TGT-only group were only required to write down their three good things daily without sharing them with others. The control group received information about mental health promotion once a week for a month. The primary outcome was probable depression. Secondary outcomes were anxiety, positive and negative affect, gratitude, happiness and social support. These outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Repeated-measures analyses were conducted using generalised estimation equations. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13003252). Results Between June 2013 and May 2015, 404 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the TGT-SN (n = 129), TGT-only (n = 139) or control group (n = 136). The main effects of TGT-SN (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.75, 95% CI 0.52–1.09; p = 0.131) and TGT-only (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.57–1.21; p = 0.332) in reducing depression were statistically non-significant. The participants of the TGT-SN group showed significantly lower anxiety symptoms (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89; p = 0.009) and negative affect (β = −1.62, 95% CI 2.98 to −0.26; p = 0.019) over time compared with those of the control group. No significant main effect was found for any secondary outcomes for the TGT-only group. Conclusions The novel intervention combining the TGT exercise with electronic social networking was found effective in reducing anxiety and negative affect among HIVMSM.

Effectiveness of Child to Parent Communication Using Information Package on Food Hygiene

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (07) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ms. Sonam Yangchen Bhutia ◽  
Dr. Sushma Kumari Saini ◽  
Dr. Manmeet Kaur ◽  
Dr. Sandhya Ghai
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Home Visit ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Food Hygiene ◽  
Parent Communication ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Randomised Controlled

School children can act as change agent not only for families but for community. The study aimed to assess effectiveness of information package on knowledge and practices of parents/family members of school children studying in Govt. Sr. Sec. School on food hygiene in Dhanas and Daddu Majra Colony, UT, Chandigarh. A non-randomised controlled trial was conducted on 201 school children studying in VIIth standard and their parents/family members. Purposive sampling technique was utilised to enrol 101 in case and 100 participants in control group. Interview schedule for knowledge assessment and observation checklist for assessing the practices of parents/ family members was used. Pre assessment of both the groups was done by a home visit. Experimental group school children were educated on food hygiene as per the protocol. Pre and post-test knowledge of school children on food hygiene was assessed and were asked to disseminate the information to their parents/family members.  After 15 days, second time home visit was done to the parents/family members of both the groups for the post assessment of knowledge and practices. Significant improvement in knowledge and practices of parents/family members related to food hygiene was observed. Hence, school children can be an effective tool in health related knowledge dissemination which can further promote healthy practices.

Measuring Acceptability and Engagement of the Keep It Up! Internet-based HIV Prevention Randomized Controlled Trial for Young Men who have Sex with Men (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystal Madkins ◽  
David Moskowitz ◽  
Kevin Moran ◽  
Trey Dellucci ◽  
Brian Mustanski
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
P Values ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Intervention Acceptability ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Since 2010, HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) have remained stably high while decreasing for heterosexual men and women. The burden of infection has disproportionately impacted younger MSM of color relative to other populations. Despite the increased risk, there are few HIV prevention programs targeted to diverse and young MSM. The Keep It Up! (KIU!) online intervention was created to address the HIV prevention needs of this population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the acceptability and engagement of KIU!, and explore any differences by demographics, within the context of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS Between May 2013 and December 2015, 445 participants were randomized into the intervention arm of the KIU! RCT. Data were taken from the baseline assessment, KIU! 2.0 intervention modules, and immediate post-test assessments of intervention acceptability and engagement. Outcomes of interests were qualitative and quantitative measures of intervention acceptability and engagement as well as process measures (i.e., star ratings of intervention content and paradata on time spent in intervention). RESULTS Participants were an average of 24 years old, 62.9% (280/445) identified as a racial or ethnic minority, 86.5% (385/445) identified as gay, and 84.3% (375/445) reported having at least some college education. Most participants rated the intervention content highly (4 out of 5 stars) and gave the intervention an average acceptability score of 3.5 out of 4. Compared to White participants, Black participants found the intervention more useful (p = .03), engaging (p < .001), and acceptable (p = .001); Latino participants found the intervention more engaging (p = .03); and “other” non-White participants found the intervention more engaging (p = .008) and acceptable (p = .02). Participants with high school or less education found the intervention more useful, engaging, and acceptable, and were more likely to give intervention content a five star rating than college educated participants (p-values = .047, <.001, .002, .01 respectively) or those with graduate degrees (p-values = .04, .001, < .001, .004 respectively). White participants showed the most variation between education levels and reporting positive attitudes towards the intervention. Among Black participants, graduate degree-earning participants spent significantly more time on the intervention than high-school or less educated participants (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS Overall, participants gave the intervention high acceptability and engagement ratings; but it was most acceptable and engaging to participants who were younger, identified as racial and ethnic minorities, had less education, and lived in the South. As these are all groups with greater burden of HIV infection, the KIU! intervention is promising as a primary HIV prevention tool. Future implementations of KIU! are needed to assess its acceptability outside of the highly controlled environment of an RCT. CLINICALTRIAL RCT# NCT01836445

scholarly journals Anti-adhesion Gel versus No gel following Operative Hysteroscopy prior to Subsequent fertility Treatment or timed InterCourse (AGNOHSTIC), a randomised controlled trial: protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S van Wessel ◽  
T Hamerlynck ◽  
V Schutyser ◽  
C Tomassetti ◽  
C Wyns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Birth ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Operative Hysteroscopy ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract STUDY QUESTIONS Does the application of anti-adhesion gel, compared to no gel, following operative hysteroscopy to treat intrauterine pathology in women wishing to conceive increase the chance of conception leading to live birth? WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following operative hysteroscopy may impair reproductive success in women of reproductive age. Anti-adhesion barrier gels may decrease the occurrence of IUAs, but the evidence on their effectiveness to improve reproductive outcomes is sparse and of low quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This multicentre, parallel group, superiority, blinded and pragmatic randomised controlled trial is being carried out in seven participating centres in Belgium. Recruitment started in April 2019. Women will be randomly allocated to treatment with anti-adhesion gel (intervention group) or no gel (control group). Sterile ultrasound gel will be applied into the vagina as a mock-procedure in both treatment arms. The patient, fertility physician and gynaecologist performing the second-look hysteroscopy are unaware of the allocated treatment. Power analysis, based on a target improvement of 15% in conception leading to live birth using anti-adhesion gel, a power of 85%, a significance level of 5%, and a drop-out rate of 10%, yielded a number of 444 patients to be randomised. The baseline rate of conception leading to live birth in the control group is expected to be 45%. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women of reproductive age (18–47 years), wishing to conceive (spontaneously or by fertility treatment) and scheduled for operative hysteroscopy to treat intrauterine pathology (endometrial polyps, myomas with uterine cavity deformation, uterine septa, IUAs or retained products of conception) are eligible for recruitment. Women may try to conceive from 3 to 6 weeks after receiving allocated treatment with follow-up ending at 30 weeks after treatment. If the woman fails to conceive within this timeframe, a second-look hysteroscopy will be scheduled within 2–6 weeks to check for IUAs. The primary endpoint is conception leading to live birth, measured at 30 weeks after randomisation. The secondary endpoints are time to conception, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy rates, measured at 30 weeks after receiving allocated treatment. The long-term follow-up starts when the patient is pregnant and she will be contacted every trimester. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work is funded by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE). The anti-adhesion gel is supplied at no cost by Nordic Pharma and without conditions. Dr. Tomassetti reports grants and non-financial support from Merck SA, non-financial support from Ferring SA, personal fees and non-financial support from Gedeon-Richter, outside the submitted work. None of the other authors have a conflict of interest.

scholarly journals Feasibility of using a biofeedback device in mindfulness training - a pilot randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenna Lin ◽  
Christopher Prickett ◽  
Steven Woltering
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Biofeedback Device

Abstract Background Stress can negatively impact an individual’s health and well-being and high levels of stress are noted to exist among college students today. While traditional treatment methods are plagued with stigma and transfer problems, newly developed wearable biofeedback devices may offer unexplored possibilities. Although these products are becoming commonplace and inexpensive, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these products is scarce and their feasibility within research contexts are relatively unexplored. Conversely, companies are not required, and possibly reluctant, to release information on the efficacy of these products against their claims. Thus, in the present pilot, we assess the feasibility of using a real-time respiratory-based biofeedback device in preparation for a larger study. Our main aims were to assess device-adherence and collaboration with the company that develops and sells the device. Method Data were collected from 39 college students who self-identified as experiencing chronic stress at a Southwestern university in the USA. Students were randomized into either a mindfulness-only control group without a biofeedback device (n = 21), or an experimental group with biofeedback device (n = 18). Both groups received mindfulness meditation training. Pre-test and post-test procedures were conducted 2 weeks apart. Further, both participant compliance and company compliance were assessed and collaboration with the company was evaluated. Results Participant device-adherence as well as the company’s collaboration necessary for a full-scale study was determined to be low. This may also have affected our results which showed a strong main effect for time for all outcome variables, suggesting all groups showed improvement in their levels of stress after the intervention period. No group by time effects were identified, however, indicating no added benefit of the biofeedback device. Conclusions Our findings suggest feasibility of future studies requires full collaboration and detailed and agreed upon data sharing procedures with the biofeedback company. The particular device under investigation added no value to the intervention outcomes and it was not feasible to continue a larger-scale study. Further, as the technology sector is innovating faster than it can validate products, we urge for open science collaborations between public and private sectors to properly develop evidence-based regulations that can withstand technological innovation while maintaining product quality, safety, and effectiveness. Trial registration NCT02837016. Registered 19 July 2016.

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