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].

scholarly journals Rapid mixed-methods assessment of COVID-19 impact on Latinx sexual minority men and Latinx transgender women

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244421
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Max Izenberg ◽  
Joanna L. Barreras ◽  
Ron A. Brooks ◽  
Ana Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

We conducted a rapid, mixed-methods assessment to understand how COVID-19 affected Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW). Using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing software, one interviewer called 52 participants (randomly sampled from a larger HIV prevention pilot study aiming to increase HIV knowledge and testing frequency; n = 36 LSMM and n = 16 LTGW) between 04/27/20-05/18/20. We quantified core domains using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory scale and provided important context through open-ended qualitative questions assessing: 1) COVID-19 infection history and experiences with quarantine; 2) Health and healthcare access; 3) Employment and economic impact of COVID-19. Participants reported increases in physical conflict or verbal arguments with a partner (13.5%) or other adult(s) (19.2%) due to stressors associated with the safer-at-home order. Participants also reported increased alcohol consumption (23.1%), problems with sleep (67.3%) and mental health (78.4%). Further, disruptions in access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP–a daily pill to prevent HIV–occurred (33.3% of 18 participants who reported being on PrEP). Many said they received less medical attention than usual (34.6%), and LTGW reported delays in critical gender-affirming hormones/procedures. Half of the participants lost their jobs (50.0%); many undocumented participants relayed additional financial concerns because they did not qualify for financial assistance. Though no COVID-19 infections were noted, COVID-19 dramatically impacted other aspects of health and overall wellbeing of LSMM and LTGW. Public health responses should address the stressors faced by LSMM and LTGW during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on wellbeing.

Using behavioral economics to increase HIV knowledge and testing among Latinx sexual minority men and transgender women

2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Maccarthy ◽  
Zachary Wagner ◽  
Joanna Barreras ◽  
Alice Kim ◽  
Alexandra Menodza-Graf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Economics ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men

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.

Refining POSSIBLE: A Multicomponent Intervention to Increase HIV Risk Perceptions and PrEP Initiation Among Black Sexual Minority Men (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Dangerfield ◽  
Janeane N. Anderson ◽  
Charleen Wylie ◽  
Renata Arrington-Sanders ◽  
Ricky N. Bluthenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Increased HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation is urgently needed to substantially decrease the incidence among Black sexual minority men (BSMM). However, BSMM are less likely than other groups to accept a clinician’s recommendation to initiate PrEP and uptake remains suboptimal. Peers and smartphone apps are popular HIV prevention-intervention mechanisms that are typically used independently. Few studies have combined these strategies into a multi-component intervention to increase PrEP initiation for BSMM. OBJECTIVE This study refined an intervention using a smartphone app and a peer change agent (PCA) to increase HIV risk perceptions (HRP) and PrEP initiation among BSMM. METHODS Data were obtained from 12 focus groups and one in-depth interview among BSMM from Baltimore, MD, between October 2019 and May 2020 (N=39). Groups were stratified by age group: 18-24, 25-34, and 35 and older. Facilitators probed on attitudes towards the app, working with a PCA, and preferences for PCA characteristics. RESULTS Most self-identified as homosexual, gay, or same gender-loving (68%), were employed (69%), single (66%), and interested in self-monitoring sexual behaviors (68.4%). Overall, participants had low HRP and suggested that self-monitoring sexual behaviors could trigger internalized stigma. An acceptable PCA should be a “possible self” for BSMM to aspire. CONCLUSIONS Future research should explore the impact of implementing this strategy on HRP and PrEP initiation among BSMM.

scholarly journals Evaluating the impact of COVID-19: A cohort comparison study of drug use and risky sexual behavior among sexual minority men in the U.S.A.

2020 ◽  
Vol 216 ◽  
pp. 108260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyrel J. Starks ◽  
S. Scott Jones ◽  
Daniel Sauermilch ◽  
Matthew Benedict ◽  
Trinae Adebayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Comparison Study ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Cohort Comparison ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Online sex partner seeking and HIV testing frequency among young black sexual minority men

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-54
Author(s):  
A. Lina Rosengren ◽  
Thibaut Davy-Mendez ◽  
Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Sex Partner

scholarly journals “I Do Not Like Being Me”: the Impact of Self-hate on Increased Risky Sexual Behavior in Sexual Minority People

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rosaria Nappa ◽  
Maria Giuseppina Bartolo ◽  
Jessica Pistella ◽  
Nicola Petrocchi ◽  
Angela Costabile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Minority Participants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Minority People

Abstract Background  Increased risky sexual behaviors (RSB) in sexual minority people relative to heterosexual individuals are well documented. However, the role of trans-diagnostic factors that are not sexual orientation-specific, such as self-criticism, in predicting RSB was understudied. The present study aimed to test participants’ gender and sexual orientation as moderators between self-criticism and RSB. Methods Data were collected during 2019. The total sample included 986 sexual minority people (Nwomen = 51%) and 853 heterosexual people (Nwomen = 46%), ranging from 18 to 35 years of age. Self-criticism dimensions (self-hate, self-inadequacy, self-reassurance), types of positive affect (relaxed, safe/content, and activated affect), and RSB were assessed. Bivariate, multivariate analyses, and moderated regression analyses were conducted. Results Sexual minority participants showed higher levels of RSB, self-hate, and self-inadequacy than heterosexual people. Only in sexual minority men, RSB correlated positively with self-hate and negatively with safe/content positive affect. Moderated regressions showed that only for sexual minority participants, higher RSB were predicted by higher levels of self-hate. At the same time, this association was not significant for heterosexual people controlling the effects of age, presence of a stable relationship, other self-criticism dimensions, and activation safe/content affect scale. The two-way interaction between sexual orientation and gender was significant, showing that regardless of self-hate, the strength of the association between sexual orientation and RSB is stronger for sexual minority men than sexual minority women and heterosexual participants. Conclusions Findings highlight the distinctive role of self-hate in the occurrence of RSB in sexual minority people and support the usefulness of developing a compassion-focused intervention to target self-hate in sexual minority people.

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