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 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.

scholarly journals What happens after HIV self-testing? Results from a longitudinal cohort of Chinese men who have sex with men

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising approach to expand HIV testing. HIVST is a process in which a person performs an HIV test and interprets the result. Negative HIVST results may encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV prevention services. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors (e.g., facility-based HIV testing, condom use) after a negative HIVST test result among Chinese MSM. Methods We collected data from MSM in eight Chinese cities over a 12-month period. This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data collected as part of an intervention trial to increase HIV testing. Men completed a survey that described sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, HIV self-testing, and facility-based HIV testing. Men who completed at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate whether HIVST increased subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. Results We included 1219 men. Most men (78.7%) were under 30 years old and had never been married (87.0%). 755 (61.9%) men tested for HIV and 593 (49.3%) men self-tested during the study period. At baseline, among men who had never been tested for HIV, 44.9% (314/699) initiated HIVST during the study period. HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based testing (aOR of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.37). HIVST was also associated with subsequent consistent condom use (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06). Conclusion HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. HIVST may enhance uptake of related HIV prevention services at facilities, suggesting the need for more implementation research.

scholarly journals Individual and partnership characteristics associated with consistent condom use in a cohort of cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwasolape Olawore ◽  
Trevor A. Crowell ◽  
Sosthenes C. Ketende ◽  
Habib O. Ramadhani ◽  
Hongjie Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background This study reports on the individual and partnership characteristics that influence consistent condom use in cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) attending trusted community centers that provide HIV prevention and treatment services in Nigeria. Methods Adults assigned male at birth who reported anal sex with male partners who enrolled between March 2013–2019 and had information about at least one male sexual partner were included in these analyses. At enrollment and follow-up visits every 3 months for up to 18 months, participants were administered detailed questionnaires that collected information about demographics, sexual practices, HIV risk behaviors, and characteristics and behaviors of their partners in the previous year (at enrollment) or the preceding 3 to 6-months (at follow-up visits). Logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of individual, partner, and partnership characteristics associated with consistent condom use (CCU). A participant was defined as consistently using condom if they reported always using condoms all the time they had insertive, receptive or both types of anal sex with a male partner. Results At the individual level, CCU was positively associated with higher education, disclosure of key population status to a healthcare worker and negatively associated with poor access to condoms. At the partner and partnership level, CCU was associated with partners with higher education (aOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07–1.72), casual relationships (aOR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11–1.34) and relationships in which partners encouraged the participant to use condoms with other partners (aOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.28). Relationships in which the partner was married to a woman and/or the partner’s HIV status positive or unknown were negatively associated with CCU. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals in relationships where partners were more open and encouraged safer sex were more likely to consistently use condoms. HIV prevention programs should consider leveraging communication to sexual partners to encourage condom use as this may support condom use with other sexual partners. Given sustained and growing HIV and STI epidemics among MSM and TGW, even with pre-exposure prophylaxis scale-up, it is crucial to continue to study optimal implementation strategies to increase condom use.

scholarly journals The Dynamic Trends of HIV Prevalence, Risks, and Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chongqing, China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Zeng ◽  
Liangui Feng ◽  
Lin Ouyang ◽  
Rongrong Lu ◽  
Peng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Sharp Drop ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Risks ◽  
Sex With Men

Objective. This study was to characterize the continuously changing trends of HIV prevalence, risks, sexual behaviors, and testing behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing, China.Methods. Five consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted among MSM in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Testing for HIV and syphilis was performed, and HIV risks, sexual behavior, prevention, and HIV testing behavior were collected using the same questionnaire.Results. HIV prevalence increased from 13.0% to 19.7% from 2006 to 2013 (P=0.004), with an increase of 1.0% per year. Syphilis prevalence peaked in 2008 with a positive rate of 11.6% and then experienced a sharp drop to 2.8% in 2012 and 2.9% in 2013. Percentage of those who ever received HIV testing in the last year increased from 17.0% to 43.3% (P<0.001); condom use at the last anal intercourse and reported consistent condom use in the last 6 months increased from 51.8% to 71.0% (P<0.001) and from 24.7% to 47.9% (P<0.001), respectively.Conclusions. HIV continued to spread among MSM in Chongqing even when a decline in prevalence of syphilis and increase in awareness rate, condom use, and HIV testing seeking behaviors seemed to occur.

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.

Use of gay app and the associated HIV/syphilis risk among non-commercial men who have sex with men in Shenzhen, China: a serial cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 496-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan Wei ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
Haibo Zhang ◽  
Zhengrong Yang ◽  
Huachun Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesGeosocial networking application specific to men who have sex with men (MSM) (gay app) has revolutionised the social networking of MSM globally, much concern was raised over its linkage to HIV/syphilis risk. This study sought to examine the association between use of gay app and sexual behaviours and HIV/syphilis risk among Chinese MSM.MethodsEligible MSM were recruited through combined offline methods from 2015 to 2017 in Shenzhen, China, with data collected including demographics, sexual behaviours, app use, recreational drug use and HIV testing. All participants are required to sign a written informed consent and take a confidential HIV and syphilis testing.ResultsThe prevalence of app use among non-commercial MSM (NcMSM) has rapidly increased from 12.5% in 2015 to 52.6% in 2017. The primary four apps used were Blued (97.2%), Aloha (18.4%), Jack’d (14.1) and Zank (14.1%). After controlling for confounders, HIV prevalence was still significantly lower among app users than non-app users (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 0.77, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.97), yet the lower prevalence of syphilis was not significant (AOR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.23). App-using NcMSM were more likely to be younger, unmarried, self-identified as homosexuality and having higher education level and income than non-app-using NcMSM. App-using NcMSM had higher rate of consistent condom use and HIV testing, higher level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and condom use; however, they were more likely to have multiple sexual partners, practice receptive role in anal sex and use recreational drug.ConclusionsApp-using NcMSM are more likely to have sexual risk behaviours as well as risk-reduction behaviours such as consistent condom use and HIV testing. Scaled-up and innovative venue-based HIV interventions are warranted for these high-risk MSM frequent social venues with less condom use and fewer HIV tests. Meanwhile, gay app should alternatively serve as an intervention and education platform for the MSM hard-to-reach via venue-based approaches.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document