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Moore SJ, Wood-Palmer DK, Jones MD, Doraivelu K, Newman Jr A, Harper GW, Camacho-González A, del Río C, Sutton MY, Hussen SA. Feasibility and acceptability of B6: a social capital program for young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2022; 37:405-419. [PMID: 36200434 PMCID: PMC9677235 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately burdened by HIV and often exhibit suboptimal engagement in HIV care. With the goal of increasing engagement in HIV care, we designed a culturally specific, theory-based group-level program, Brothers Building Brothers by Breaking Barriers (B6), which aimed to strengthen resilience and social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV. We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the program's acceptability and feasibility. Through clinic-based recruitment and community outreach events, we recruited and enrolled 71 YB-GBMSM into the study. Participants were randomized to either the B6 program or a control comparison program. Post-session evaluation surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews showed B6 to have high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Specifically, participants described benefits to interacting in a group with other YB-GBMSM, and several described increased comfort with their own gay identities after participation. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. However, there were challenges to feasibility, as reflected in recruitment and retention rates. The B6 program was highly acceptable among YB-GBMSM living with HIV; however, innovative program delivery methods and implementation strategies will be needed to improve recruitment and retention in future implementation of B6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamia J Moore
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Drew K Wood-Palmer
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Marxavian D Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kamini Doraivelu
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Antonio Newman Jr
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrés Camacho-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Carlos del Río
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Madeline Y Sutton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse University School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310, Georgia
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Madkins K, Greene GJ, Hall E, Jimenez R, Parsons JT, Sullivan PS, Mustanski B. Attrition and HIV Risk Behaviors: A Comparison of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Recruited from Online and Offline Venues for an Online HIV Prevention Program. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:2135-2148. [PMID: 30069614 PMCID: PMC6197065 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In addition to offline venue-based and time-space sampling, recruitment of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) into HIV surveillance and prevention studies has expanded over time to include Internet-based approaches. Despite broadening recruitment strategies, enrolling racially and ethnically diverse YMSM who are disproportionately impacted by HIV continues to be challenging. Additionally, there is little literature on the impact of recruitment venue on participant characteristics and likelihood to enroll YMSM into online randomized control trials (RCT). This study used data from the multisite RCT, Keep It Up! 2.0, to examine the impact of recruitment venue on participant demographics, behavioral HIV risks, and enrollment. A total of 2984 participants were screened for eligibility from community-based organizations, Facebook, dating apps, and outreach events. There were significant differences by venue in age (χ2[3] = 54.38, p < .001), race/ethnicity (χ2[9] = 110.78, p < .001), sexual orientation (χ2[3] = 7.85, p < .05), relationship status (χ2[6] = 27.71, p < .001), and region of recruitment (χ2[6] = 1480.51, p < .001). There were no significant differences by venue in attrition during the enrollment process. The only difference in attrition was by race/ethnicity. Compared to White participants, eligible Black (OR: 0.35, p < .01) and Latino (OR: 0.46, p < .05) participants were significantly less likely to enroll in the intervention. There were also no significant differences by recruitment venue in sexual risk behaviors among enrolled participants. These findings suggest that recruitment into online HIV interventions from a variety of venues is feasible for diverse YMSM who are at similar risk for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal Madkins
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine and Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave., 14th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - George J Greene
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine and Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave., 14th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Eric Hall
- Programs, Research and Innovation in Sexual Minority Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ruben Jimenez
- Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Parsons
- Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Programs, Research and Innovation in Sexual Minority Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine and Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave., 14th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Iott BE, Veinot TC, Loveluck J, Kahle E, Golson L, Benton A. Comparative Analysis of Recruitment Strategies in a Study of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Metropolitan Detroit. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2296-2311. [PMID: 29470808 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS-related research requires recruitment of representative samples of MSM; yet, we know little about the comparative yield, diversity and cost-benefit tradeoffs between different recruitment venues. We compared 11 recruitment venues used for nine HIV prevention-related focus groups with MSM in Metropolitan Detroit. Of the 64 participants, 24 were clients recruited via an HIV/AIDS-focused nonprofit, 20 from Grindr advertisements, 6 from university-student email lists, and 5 from flyers/palmcards. Significantly more African-American, low-income and HIV-positive participants were recruited via the nonprofit. The best cost-benefit tradeoffs were for organizational Facebook posts, email groups, personal networking, and nonprofit recruitment. Grindr increased the size of the sample, though at greater expense. Facebook and Scruff advertisements and gay bar outreach represented greater costs than benefits. Only 11.6% of Grindr respondents attended the focus groups. A mix of online and offline recruitment venues can generate a large and diverse sample of MSM, but venue performance is uneven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley E Iott
- School of Information, University of Michigan, 3443 North Quad, 105 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1285, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tiffany C Veinot
- School of Information, University of Michigan, 3443 North Quad, 105 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1285, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | | | - Erin Kahle
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leon Golson
- Unified - HIV Health and Beyond, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
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Franks J, Mannheimer SB, Hirsch‐Moverman Y, Hayes‐Larson E, Colson PW, Ortega H, El‐Sadr WM. Multiple strategies to identify HIV-positive black men who have sex with men and transgender women in New York City: a cross-sectional analysis of recruitment results. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25091. [PMID: 29537178 PMCID: PMC5850046 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Black men who have sex with men and transgender women are at high risk for HIV infection, but are more likely to be unaware of their infection or not in care for diagnosed HIV compared to other races. Respondent driven sampling has been advanced as a method to reach stigmatized and hidden populations for HIV testing. We compared strategies to recruit black, substance-using men who have sex with men and transgender women to identify newly diagnosed HIV infection, or those previously diagnosed but not in care. METHODS The STAR (Seek, Test, and Retain) study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01790360) used several recruitment strategies to identify black, substance-using men who have sex with men and transgender women with undiagnosed HIV infection or with previously diagnosed HIV infection but who were not in HIV care. Respondent-driven sampling, community-based recruitment and online advertising were used to recruit participants. Incentivized peer referral was integrated into all recruitment strategies. Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and HIV testing. Demographic and HIV risk-related characteristics and recruitment strategy were summarized and stratified by HIV status. Associations were tested using Pearson's chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Factors associated with HIV-positive diagnosis at p < 0.1 were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS From July 2012 through October 2015, the study enrolled 1929 participants; 96.3% men who have sex with men and 3.7% transgender women. Behavioural risk factors included recent condomless anal sex (55.6%) and recent substance use during sex (73.1%). HIV prevalence was 8.7%. In multivariable analysis, significant associations with HIV infection included being transgender; non-Hispanic black; gay/homosexual orientation; not homeless; and less likely to have insufficient income for necessities. Among recruitment strategies, respondent driven sampling was least effective in identifying HIV-positive participants. CONCLUSIONS Integrating multiple recruitment strategies yielded a large sample of black men who have sex with men and transgender women at substantial risk for HIV. Respondent-driven sampling was less effective than other strategies at identifying men who have sex with men and transgender women with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Franks
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Sharon B Mannheimer
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Harlem Hospital CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Yael Hirsch‐Moverman
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Eleanor Hayes‐Larson
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Paul W Colson
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Hugo Ortega
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Wafaa M El‐Sadr
- Harlem Prevention CenterICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
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Nicholson LM, Schwirian PM, Groner JA. Recruitment and retention strategies in clinical studies with low-income and minority populations: Progress from 2004-2014. Contemp Clin Trials 2015; 45:34-40. [PMID: 26188163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
More than 20years have passed since the NIH 1993 Act was initiated, and while progress has been made toward better representation of minorities and women in clinical research studies, as this review will show, there is still tremendous room for improvement. The purpose of this review was to identify the current state of literature on recruitment and retention strategies in clinical studies of low-income and minority populations. We identified 165 studies published in English between 2004 and 2014. Data extracted included information on the study type (descriptive or analytical), study design, study focus (recruitment, retention, both recruitment and retention), health outcome, specific minority group, special population or age group, if specific recruitment/retention techniques were tested, and key research findings. Particular attention was given to articles that statistically analyzed the effectiveness of recruitment and retention strategies on enrollment/retention rates. Effective recruitment and retention strategies for low-income and minority groups, differential effectiveness across groups, and implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Nicholson
- The Institute for Health Research and Policy, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, United States.
| | - Patricia M Schwirian
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing and Department of Family Medicine, Columbus, OH United States
| | - Judith A Groner
- Section of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH United States
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Asare Bempong G, Ramamurthi HC, McCuller J, Williams JK, Harawa NT. Recruiting Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (BMSMW) in an Urban Setting for HIV Prevention Research. JOURNAL OF AIDS & CLINICAL RESEARCH 2014; 6:408. [PMID: 25984392 PMCID: PMC4433157 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Concerns related to stigma and confidentiality limit HIV-related study recruitment and retention of Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). This paper examines lessons learned from recruitment strategies utilized in enrolling 437 participants between 2007 and 2011 for a randomized controlled trial to test a culturally specific HIV risk-reduction intervention for Black MSMW. METHODS Interested respondents completed a brief screener and participants completed surveys at baseline and at post, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Recruitment patterns were assessed by examining the source of study information reported when respondents were asked how they learned about the study. Chi-square tests were then conducted to examine differences in the distribution of participants by self-reported HIV status, age group and socio-economic status (SES) for each type of study information source. RESULTS Regardless of HIV or SES, study respondents were more likely to have received information about the study through a service agency than from other sources. Participants ages 30-49 and 50+ years were most likely to have learned about the study from an agency (34.9% and 27.0%, respectively) or another participant/friend (20.1%, 23.1%) and least likely to have found out from bus (0.8%, 0.0%) or radio (1.3%, 0.0%) advertisements; whereas younger participants were more likely to have heard about the study through a friend/participant (23.4%) than an agency (15.4%). Although, 14.1% of participants' ages less than 30 years reported the Internet as their source of study information, this compared to just 2.7% and 4.8% for participants in the 30-49 and 50-plus age groups. CONCLUSIONS While agencies and referrals from personal networks appear to be the most significant recruitment source for potential HIV research participants, there is evidence that Internet based tools may enhance recruitment, particularly among younger Black MSMW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hema C. Ramamurthi
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason McCuller
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John K Williams
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nina T Harawa
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Muessig KE, Smith MK, Maman S, Huang Y, Chen XS. Advancing the prevention agenda for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in south China: social science research to inform effective public health interventions. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 2:S222-31. [PMID: 24443101 PMCID: PMC3982310 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread biomedical advances in treatment and prevention, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) continue to affect a large portion of the world's population. The profoundly social nature of behaviorally driven epidemics and disparities across socioeconomic divides in the distribution of HIV/STI and care outcomes emphasize the need for innovative, multilevel interventions. Interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/STI control are needed to combine insights from the social and biological sciences and public health fields. In this concluding essay to a Special Issue on HIV/STI in south China, we describe the evolution of the region's HIV/STI epidemics and the government response, then synthesize findings from the 11 studies presented in this issue to extend seven recommendations for future HIV/STI prevention and care research in China. We discuss lessons learned from forging international collaborations between the social and biological sciences and public health to inform a shared research agenda to better meet the needs of those most affected by HIV and other STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, 306 Rosenau Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440 USA. Phone: 1-443-320-3152
| | - M. Kumi Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, 306 Rosenau Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440 USA. Phone: 1-443-320-3152
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Sociology, Renmin University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control and Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China (Tel: 86-25-845478901. Fax: 86-25-85424903)
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Vial AC, Starks TJ, Parsons JT. Finding and recruiting the highest risk HIV-negative men who have sex with men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2014; 26:56-67. [PMID: 24450278 PMCID: PMC4082973 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2014.26.1.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study compared the ability of different field and online recruitment venues to reach those at highest risk for HIV infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), given that some subgroups are difficult to reach, and venues vary in the demographic characteristics of the samples they yield. Compared to other venues, dating/hookup websites reached significantly higher-than-expected concentrations of White MSM aged 40 and above, including those who reported unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Facebook was the most successful venue for the recruitment of MSM who used stimulants, including those who reported UAI. MSM who reported UAI were more likely to be recruited online. This study points to systematic variation in the samples obtained via different recruitment strategies, which should be taken into consideration when designing intervention/prevention programs targeting HIV-negative MSM.
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Higa DH, Crepaz N, Marshall KJ, Kay L, Vosburgh HW, Spikes P, Lyles CM, Purcell DW. A systematic review to identify challenges of demonstrating efficacy of HIV behavioral interventions for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). AIDS Behav 2013; 17:1231-44. [PMID: 23397183 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV but few MSM-specific evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been identified for this vulnerable group. We conducted a systematic review to identify reasons for the small number of EBIs for MSM. We also compared study, intervention and sample characteristics of EBIs versus non-EBIs to better understand the challenges of demonstrating efficacy evidence. Thirty-three MSM-specific studies were evaluated: Nine (27 %) were considered EBIs while 24 (73 %) were non-EBIs. Non-EBIs had multiple methodological limitations; the most common was not finding a significant positive effect. Compared to EBIs, non-EBIs were less likely to use peer intervention deliverers, include sexual communication in their interventions, and intervene at the community level. Incorporating characteristics associated with EBIs may strengthen behavioral interventions for MSM. More EBIs are needed for substance-using MSM, MSM of color, MSM residing in the south and MSM in couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrel H Higa
- Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Klein H. Involvement in Specific HIV Risk Practices among Men Who Use the Internet to Find Male Partners for Unprotected Sex. JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2013; 2013:826039. [PMID: 24826369 PMCID: PMC4008398 DOI: 10.1155/2013/826039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. Men who have sex with other men (MSM) account for more than one-half of all new HIV infections in the USA. This study reports on the prevalence of a variety of HIV risk behaviors in one specific subpopulation of risk-seeking MSM. Methods. The study was based on a national sample of 332 MSM who use the Internet to find partners for unprotected sex. Data collection was conducted via telephone interviews between January 2008 and May 2009. Results. Unprotected oral and anal sex was commonplace among study participants. Men engaged in a large number of other risky behaviors as well, including having had multiple recent sex partners (mean number = 11), simultaneous double-penile penetration of the anus (16%), eating semen out of another man's anus (17%), engaging in multiple-partner sexual encounters (47%), engaging in anonymous sex (51%), and having sex while "under the influence" (52%). Conclusions. HIV intervention and prevention programs need to address numerous behaviors that place MSM at risk for contracting/transmitting HIV. Merely focusing on unprotected anal sex does a disservice to members of this community, who typically engage in many types of behavioral risks, each of which requires addressing if HIV transmission rates are to be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, 401 Schuyler Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Recruiting drug using men who have sex with men in behavioral intervention trials: a comparison of internet and field-based strategies. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:688-99. [PMID: 22684657 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although online and field-based samples of men who have sex with men (MSM) have been compared on a variety of markers, differences in drug use have not been well examined. In addition, generalization from studies comparing recruitment methods is often limited by a focus on either HIV seropositive or seronegative MSM. We compared two New York City-based samples of MSM recruited simultaneously between July 2009 and January 2010-one sample recruited in the field (n = 2,402) and one sample recruited via the Internet (n = 694). All recruitment efforts targeted men without restriction on age or self-reported HIV status. Our results show marked differences in drug and alcohol use between online and field-based samples of MSM. Specifically, men surveyed online were significantly more likely to have tried a variety of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy. Men recruited online were also more likely to report older age, HIV positive serostatus, and "never" using condoms. Internet-based recruitment was found to be more cost-effective in terms of recruitment yield than was field-based recruitment.
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HIV health center affiliation networks of black men who have sex with men: disentangling fragmented patterns of HIV prevention service utilization. Sex Transm Dis 2012; 39:598-604. [PMID: 22801341 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3182515cee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are at highest risk for HIV infection and are at high risk for limited health service utilization. We describe HIV health center (HHC) affiliation network patterns and their potential determinants among urban BMSM. METHODS The Men's Assessment of Social and Risk Network instrument was used to elicit HHC utilization, as reported by study respondents recruited through respondent-driven sampling. In 2010, 204 BMSM were systematically recruited from diverse venues in Chicago, IL. A 2-mode data set was constructed that included study participants and 9 diverse HHCs. Associations between individual-level characteristics and HHC utilization were analyzed using Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure. Visualization analyses included computation of HHC centrality and faction membership. RESULTS High utilization of HHCs (45.9%-70.3%) was evident among BMSM, 44.4% who were HIV infected. Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure revealed that age, social network size, and HIV status were associated with HHC affiliation patterns (coeff., 0.13-0.27; all P < 0.05). With the exception of one HHC, HHCs offering HIV prevention services to HIV-infected participants occupied peripheral positions within the network of health centers. High-risk HIV-uninfected participants affiliated most with an HHC that offers only treatment services. CONCLUSIONS Subcategories of BMSM in this sample affiliated with HHCs that may not provide appropriate HIV prevention services. Using 2-mode data, public health authorities may be better able to match prevention services to BMSM need; in particular, HIV prevention services for high-risk HIV-uninfected men and HIV "prevention for positives" services for HIV-infected men.
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Grov C. HIV risk and substance use in men who have sex with men surveyed in bathhouses, bars/clubs, and on Craigslist.org: venue of recruitment matters. AIDS Behav 2012; 16:807-17. [PMID: 21748276 PMCID: PMC5826651 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-9999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been little evaluation regarding whether men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited in one type of venue differ in behavioral and demographic characteristics from those recruited in others. We surveyed MSM in gay bars/clubs (n = 199), bathhouses (n = 194), and off Craigslist.org (n = 208). Men in bathhouses reported the greatest average number of partners and were less likely to disclose their HIV status. Among men reporting anal sex; those on Craigslist reported the least condom use. Finally, men surveyed in gay bars/clubs were the youngest of the three and the most likely to be single; they also reported the highest levels of attachment to the gay community and the most frequent alcohol use. Our findings demonstrate the need to tailor HIV prevention efforts to the location in which they are targeted, and for researchers to evaluate if participants differ by recruitment source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grov
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, 11210, USA.
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Jones SG, Pat Patsdaughter CA, Martinez Cardenas VM. Lessons from the viagra study: methodological challenges in recruitment of older and minority heterosexual men for research on sexual practices and risk behaviors. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2011; 22:320-9. [PMID: 21216626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rosser BRS, Hatfield LA, Miner MH, Ghiselli ME, Lee BR, Welles SL. Effects of a behavioral intervention to reduce serodiscordant unsafe sex among HIV positive men who have sex with men: the Positive Connections randomized controlled trial study. J Behav Med 2010; 33:147-58. [PMID: 20101454 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-009-9244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Accepted: 12/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Few behavioral interventions have been conducted to reduce high-risk sexual behavior among HIV-positive Men who have Sex with Men (HIV+ MSM). Hence, we lack well-proven interventions for this population. Positive Connections is a randomized controlled trial (n = 675 HIV+ MSM) comparing the effects of two sexual health seminars--for HIV+ MSM and all MSM--with a contrast prevention video arm. Baseline, 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up surveys assessed psychosexual variables and frequency of serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI). At post-test, intentions to avoid transmission were significantly higher in the sexual health arms. However, SDUAI frequency decreased equally across arms. HIV+ MSM engaging in SDUAI at baseline were more likely to leave the study. Tailoring interventions to HIV+ MSM did not increase their effectiveness in this study. A sexual health approach appeared as effective as an untailored video-based HIV prevention intervention in reducing SDUAI among HIV+ MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Simon Rosser
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 300 WBOB, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
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