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Golin CE, Davis RA, Przybyla SM, Fowler B, Parker S, Earp JA, Quinlivan EB, Kalichman SC, Patel SN, Grodensky CA. SafeTalk, a multicomponent, motivational interviewing-based, safer sex counseling program for people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative assessment of patients' views. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2010; 24:237-45. [PMID: 20377435 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continued transmission of HIV each year, novel approaches to HIV prevention are needed. Since 2003, the U.S. HIV prevention focus has shifted from primarily targeting HIV-negative at-risk persons to including safer sex programs for people already infected with HIV. At least 20-30% of people infected with HIV engage in risky sexual practices. Based on these data, policymakers have recommended that interventionists develop strategies to help HIV-infected people reduce their risky sexual behaviors. In the past, the few safer sex interventions that targeted HIV-infected people met with limited success because they basically adapted strategies previously used with HIV-uninfected individuals. In addition, often these adaptations did not address issues of serostatus disclosure, HIV stigma, or motivation to protect others from HIV. We had previously tested, in a demonstration project named the Start Talking About Risks (STAR) Program, a monthly three-session motivational interviewing (MI)-based intervention to help people living with HIV practice safer sex. In this study, we refined that program by enhancing its frequency and intensity and adding written and audio components to support the counseling. We theorized that an intervention such as MI, which is tailored to each individual's circumstances more than standardized prevention messages, would be more successful when supplemented with other components. We qualitatively assessed participants' perceptions, reactions, and preferences to the refined prevention with positives counseling program we called SafeTalk and learned that participants found the SafeTalk MI counseling and educational materials appealing, understandable, and relevant to their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol E. Golin
- Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- UNC Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rebecca A. Davis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarahmona M. Przybyla
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Beth Fowler
- UNC CHAI Core, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sharon Parker
- UNC School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jo Anne Earp
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - E. Byrd Quinlivan
- Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- UNC Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- UNC Center for Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Shilpa N. Patel
- UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Catherine A. Grodensky
- UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Rutledge SE. Formation of personal HIV disclosure policies among HIV-positive men who have sex with men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2009; 23:531-43. [PMID: 19621994 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2008.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the increasing emphasis on "prevention with positives" programs designed to promote HIV transmission risk reduction among people living with HIV/AIDS, better understanding of influences upon serostatus disclosure in sexual situations is needed. Based on grounded theory analyses of individual interviews, this exploratory research hypothesizes and interprets how 15 HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) formed personal HIV disclosure policies for sexual situations. Participants described five elements influencing development of their personal policies, including: (1) making sense of having been infected, (2) envisioning sex as an HIV-positive man, (3) sorting through feelings of responsibility for others, (4) responding to views of friends and the gay community, and (5) anticipating reactions and consequences of disclosure. The article concludes with implications for current initiatives for prevention with positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Edward Rutledge
- College of Health Professions and Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Rutledge SE. Enacting personal HIV disclosure policies for sexual situations: HIV-positive gay men's experiences. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2007; 17:1040-1059. [PMID: 17928478 DOI: 10.1177/1049732307306931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Given successes in treating HIV/AIDS, there are increasing numbers of sexually active HIV-positive people. Although there is a current public health emphasis on testing interventions to reduce HIV transmission by people who know they are HIV positive, understanding how people enact decisions to disclose their HIV seropositivity is needed. HIV Disclosure Decision Making in Sexual Situations, a grounded theory based on interviews with 15 HIV-positive gay men, hypothesizes and interprets a two-part process wherein HIV-positive gay men form personal disclosure policies that they contextualize to various dating and sexual situations. In this article, the author depicts the second part of the grounded theory with its five interlocking components of the process of enacting HIV disclosure in sexual situations.
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Wolitski RJ, Flores SA, O'Leary A, Bimbi DS, Gómez CA. Beliefs about personal and partner responsibility among HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men: measurement and association with transmission risk behavior. AIDS Behav 2007; 11:676-86. [PMID: 17103125 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-006-9183-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Beliefs of people living with HIV about their own responsibility for preventing HIV transmission (personal responsibility) and their sex partners' responsibility for protecting themselves (partner responsibility) are poorly understood. A sample of 1163 HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM; 55% men of color) completed an A-CASI assessment of sexual behavior and psychosocial measures. A two-dimensional model that represents four orientations toward responsibility was tested: (1) self-high personal and low partner responsibility, (2) other-low personal and high partner responsibility, (3) shared-high personal and high partner responsibility, and (4) diminished-low personal and low partner responsibility. As predicted, the self-responsibility group demonstrated the lowest risk of HIV transmission; the other responsibility group had the highest risk. Intermediate risk was observed in the shared and diminished responsibility groups. Implications for future research and HIV prevention efforts are discussed.
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van Kesteren NMC, Hospers HJ, van Empelen P, van Breukelen G, Kok G. Sexual decision-making in HIV-positive men who have sex with men: how moral concerns and sexual motives guide intended condom use with steady and casual sex partners. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2007; 36:437-49. [PMID: 17333328 PMCID: PMC1914258 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-9125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Determinants of intended condom use with steady and casual sex partners were examined among Dutch HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) (N = 296). Given the proposition that safer sex behavior among HIV-positive people is a form of prosocial behavior, the present study extended the general framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior with Schwartz's norm-activation theory and tested the assumption that personal norms would mediate the effects of other psychosocial factors on intended condom use for anal sex. In addition, it was hypothesized that, depending on the context in which sex occurs, specific motives for unprotected anal sex may have a negative influence on intended condom use and, as such, undermine a prosocial tendency to practice safer sex. Therefore, we also investigated the influence of sexual motives for unprotected anal sex on intended condom use with steady and casual sex partners. Results indicated that the Theory of Planned Behavior adequately predicted condom use intentions (for casual sex partners and steady sex partners, the explained variance was 52% and 53%, respectively). However, our proposed model of sexual decision-making significantly improved the prediction of behavioral intentions. For steady and casual sex partners, the assumption of the mediating role of personal norms on condom use intention was confirmed empirically. Additionally, sexual motives for unprotected anal sex exerted, as expected, a direct, negative effect on condom use intention with casual sex partners. The implications of the findings for future research and the development of HIV-prevention programs for HIV-positive MSM are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M C van Kesteren
- Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education, Department of Experimental Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Rutledge SE. Single-session motivational enhancement counseling to support change toward reduction of HIV transmission by HIV positive persons. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2007; 36:313-9. [PMID: 17109234 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-9077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Given the enormous successes in treating HIV disease with antiretroviral therapies, there is a burgeoning population of healthy, sexually active HIV+ men and women. Because HIV prevention counseling has focused traditionally on persons at risk of becoming infected, there is an urgent mandate to explore ways to engage HIV+ persons in transmission risk reduction counseling. Using two case examples, this article presents an overview of motivational interviewing in a single counseling session as a promising treatment for addressing ambivalence about safer sex with HIV+ persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Edward Rutledge
- School of Social Administration, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
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Offer C, Grinstead O, Goldstein E, Mamary E, Alvarado N, Euren J, Woods WJ. Responsibility for HIV prevention: patterns of attribution among HIV-seropositive gay and bisexual men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2007; 19:24-35. [PMID: 17411387 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2007.19.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The Seroconversion Narratives for AIDS Prevention (SNAP) study elicited narratives from recently infected seropositive gay and bisexual men that described the circumstances of their own seroconversion. This analysis of the narratives explored participants' attributions of responsibility for HIV prevention before and after they became infected. Before becoming infected with HIV, responsibility for prevention was often attributed to HIV-negative individuals themselves. These retrospective attributions revealed themes that included feelings of negligence, a sense of consequences, followed by regret. After seroconversion, responsibility for HIV prevention was primarily attributed to HIV-positive individuals themselves. Themes within these attributions included pledges to avoid HIV transmission, a strong sense of burden related to the possibility of infecting someone, and risk reduction strategies that they implemented in an attempt to avoid HIV transmission. Greater understanding of ideas related to responsibility has the potential to increase the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Offer
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California 94105, USA.
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Van Kesteren NMC, Kok G, Hospers HJ, Schippers J, De Wildt W. Systematic development of a self-help and motivational enhancement intervention to promote sexual health in HIV-positive men who have sex with men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2006; 20:858-75. [PMID: 17192151 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2006.20.858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the application of a systematic process-Intervention Mapping-to developing a theory- and evidence-based intervention to promote sexual health in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Intervention Mapping provides a framework that gives program planners a systematic method for decision-making in each phase of intervention development. In Step 1, we focused on the improvement of two health-promoting behaviors: satisfactory sexual functioning and safer sexual behavior. These behaviors were then linked with selected personal and external determinants, such as attitudes and social support, to produce a set of proximal program objectives. In Step 2, theoretical methods were identified to influence the proximal program objectives and were translated into practical strategies. Although theoretical methods were derived from various theories, self-regulation theory and a cognitive model of behavior change provided the main framework for selecting the intervention methods. The main strategies chosen were bibliotherapy (i.e., the use of written material to help people solve problems or change behavior) and motivational interviewing. In Step 3, the theoretical methods and practical strategies were applied in a program that comprised a self-help guide, a motivational interviewing session and a motivational interviewing telephone call, both delivered by specialist nurses in HIV treatment centers. In Step 4, implementation was anticipated by developing a linkage group to ensure involvement of program users in the planning process and conducting additional research to understand how to implement our program better. In Step 5, program evaluation was anticipated based on the planning process from the previous Intervention Mapping steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M C Van Kesteren
- Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education (Reshape), Department of Experimental Psychology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prevention programmes often promote HIV testing as one possible strategy for combating the spread of the disease. The objectives of the present study were to examine levels of HIV testing practices in a large sample of Jamaicans and the relationships among HIV testing, sociodemographic variables and HIV-related behaviours. METHODS A total of 1800 persons, aged 15-49 years, were surveyed between May and August 2004 using a household-level, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included HIV-related knowledge, attitudinal and behavioural items. For the present analyses, data from 1558 sexually experienced persons were examined. RESULTS Approximately 38% of the sexually experienced sample reported a history of HIV testing. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that adults, females, persons with post-high school education and married persons were more likely to report previous HIV testing. Also, those who had attended an HIV/AIDS education workshop or discussion and those who reported knowing persons living with HIV/AIDS were more likely to report previous testing. However, HIV testing was not associated with condom use or with the number of sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS The lack of significant findings establishing a relationship between testing and risky sexual behaviours should not negate the importance of HIV testing. Being informed regarding personal HIV serostatus is one of the first steps in self-protection. Effective messages and programmes promoting HIV testing need to be developed and implemented in Jamaica, in order to educate people about how to assess their level of risk with respect to contracting HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Norman
- AIDS Research Program, Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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Crepaz N, Lyles CM, Wolitski RJ, Passin WF, Rama SM, Herbst JH, Purcell DW, Malow RM, Stall R. Do prevention interventions reduce HIV risk behaviours among people living with HIV? A meta-analytic review of controlled trials. AIDS 2006; 20:143-57. [PMID: 16511407 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000196166.48518.a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a meta-analytic review of HIV interventions for people living with HIV (PLWH) to determine their overall efficacy in reducing HIV risk behaviours and identify intervention characteristics associated with efficacy. METHODS Comprehensive searches included electronic databases from 1988 to 2004, hand searches of journals, reference lists of articles, and contacts with researchers. Twelve trials met the stringent selection criteria: randomization or assignment with minimal bias, use of statistical analysis, and assessment of HIV-related behavioural or biologic outcomes at least 3 months after the intervention. Random-effects models were used to aggregate data. RESULTS Interventions significantly reduced unprotected sex [odds ratio (OR), 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-0.82] and decreased acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.73). Non-significant intervention effects were observed for needle sharing (OR, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.13-1.71). As a whole, interventions with the following characteristics significantly reduced sexual risk behaviours: (1) based on behavioural theory; (2) designed to change specifically HIV transmission risk behaviours; (3) delivered by health-care providers or counsellors; (4) delivered to individuals; (5) delivered in an intensive manner; (6) delivered in settings where PLWH receive routine services or medical care; (7) provided skills building, or (8) addressed a myriad of issues related to mental health, medication adherence, and HIV risk behaviour. CONCLUSION Interventions targeting PWLH are efficacious in reducing unprotected sex and acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases. Efficacious strategies identified in this review should be incorporated into community HIV prevention efforts and further evaluated for effectiveness.
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Wolitski RJ, Parsons JT, Gómez CA, Purcell DW, Hoff CC, Halkitis PN. Prevention with gay and bisexual men living with HIV: rationale and methods of the Seropositive Urban Men's Intervention Trial (SUMIT). AIDS 2005; 19 Suppl 1:S1-11. [PMID: 15838188 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000167347.77632.cd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a public health rationale for prevention with HIV-seropositive gay and bisexual men and to describe the methods of the Seropositive Urban Men's Intervention Trial (SUMIT). DESIGN A randomized intervention trial. METHODS Self-identified HIV-positive gay and bisexual men were recruited from community-based venues in New York City and San Francisco. Eligible participants completed an A-CASI baseline assessment, were asked to provide samples for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and were randomly assigned to either a single-session intervention or a six-session enhanced intervention designed to reduce HIV transmission risk and promote serostatus disclosure. Participants who attended the first intervention session were assessed 3 and 6 months post-intervention. STI testing was offered at the 6-month assessment. RESULTS A total of 1168 self-identified HIV-seropositive gay and bisexual men completed the baseline assessment, and 1110 of these (95%) opted for STI testing. A total of 811 attended the first intervention session, of which 85% were assessed at 3 months and 90% were assessed at 6 months. Of those assessed at 6 months, 92% (670/729) provided a blood or urine sample for STI testing. CONCLUSION SUMIT demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of prevention research with HIV-seropositive gay and bisexual men. The study provides new information about the sexual behavior, serostatus disclosure practices, and the efficacy of an intervention to reduce HIV transmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Wolitski
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road (E-37), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Norman LR, Gebre Y. Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Testing: An Analysis of University Students in Jamaica. J Int AIDS Soc 2005; 7:70. [PMID: 19825126 PMCID: PMC2804719 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-7-1-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention programs often promote HIV testing as one possible strategy of combating the spread of the disease. OBJECTIVE To examine levels of HIV testing practices among a large sample of university students and the relationship among HIV testing, sociodemographic variables, and HIV-related behaviors. METHODS A total of 1252 students were surveyed between June 2001 and February 2002 using a 193-item questionnaire measuring a variety of HIV-related knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral items. RESULTS Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that youths, married persons, persons who had attended an HIV education forum, and those who knew someone with HIV/AIDS were more likely to report a previous HIV test. However, HIV testing was not associated with condom use or number of sex partners. CONCLUSION The lack of significant findings between testing and risky sexual behaviors should not negate the importance of HIV testing. Being informed regarding personal HIV serostatus is one of the first steps in self-protection. Effective messages and programs need to be developed and implemented in Jamaica to promote HIV testing and help persons to adequately assess their level of risk with respect to contracting HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Norman
- Assistant Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brewton-Parker College, Mount Vernon, Georgia.
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van Kesteren NMC, Hospers HJ, Kok G, van Empelen P. Sexuality and sexual risk behavior in HIV-positive men who have sex with men. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2005; 15:145-168. [PMID: 15611201 DOI: 10.1177/1049732304270817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological processes pertaining to sexuality and sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). The authors analyzed transcripts of 30 semistructured interviews. Findings suggest that sexual problems in HIV-positive MSM might be primarily caused by the perceived risk of transmitting HIV to others. Furthermore, safer sexual behavior seems to be related to feelings of personal responsibility for safer sex. This study illustrates that although some men might have a clear notion of personal responsibility for safer sex, contextual factors can influence whether behavior is consistent with their norms of personal responsibility. The implications of the study are discussed for the practice of HIV prevention for HIV-positive MSM.
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Flicker S, Goldberg E, Read S, Veinot T, McClelland A, Saulnier P, Skinner H. HIV-positive youth's perspectives on the Internet and e-health. J Med Internet Res 2004; 6:e32. [PMID: 15471758 PMCID: PMC1550612 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6.3.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2004] [Revised: 06/21/2004] [Accepted: 06/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, half of all new HIV infections occur among young people. Despite this incidence, there is a profound lack of resources for HIV-positive youth. Objective To investigate Internet access, use and acceptability as a means for health promotion and health service delivery among HIV-positive youth. Methods A community-based participatory approach was used to conduct a mixed methods research study. Thirty-five qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth (ages 12-24) living with HIV in Ontario. Also, brief structured demographic surveys were administered at the time of the interview. A stakeholder group of youth living with HIV, professionals and researchers collaboratively analyzed the data for emerging themes. Results Five main themes were identified with respect to the youth's use of and interest in the Internet as a health promotion strategy. These include: (1) high rates of Internet use and access; (2) issues around public and private terminals; (3) their use of the Internet primarily for communication and entertainment; (4) the rarity of health information seeking behavior in this group; and (5) wanting "one-stop shopping" from an e-health site. HIV-positive youth were enthusiastic about the possibility of content that was developed specifically to target them and their needs. Also, they were keen about the possibilities for increased social support that youth-specific online chat rooms and message boards might provide. Conclusion Given high rates of use, access and interest, the Internet provides an important way to reach young people living with HIV using health services and health promotion programs. The onus is on e-Health developers to understand the particular needs of HIV-positive youth and create relevant content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Flicker
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of TorontoToronto ONCanada
| | - Eudice Goldberg
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoToronto ONCanada
- Department of PaediatricsThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto ONCanada
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of TorontoToronto ONCanada
| | - Stanley Read
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoToronto ONCanada
- Department of PaediatricsThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto ONCanada
| | - Tiffany Veinot
- Canadian AIDS Treatment Information ExchangeToronto ONCanada
| | - Alex McClelland
- Positive Youth OutreachAIDS Committee of TorontoToronto ONCanada
| | - Paul Saulnier
- Positive Youth OutreachAIDS Committee of TorontoToronto ONCanada
| | - Harvey Skinner
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of TorontoToronto ONCanada
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Courtenay-Quirk C, Wolitski RJ, Hoff C, Parsons JT. Interests in HIV prevention topics of HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2003; 15:401-412. [PMID: 14626463 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.15.6.401.24040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As improved medical treatments have extended the lives of persons with HIV, prevention programs increasingly address these persons' ability to adopt and sustain HIV risk reduction behavior. Little is known about which HIV-seropositive persons would most likely use prevention programs or what program topics would best meet the needs of this population. A diverse sample of HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM, N = 206) rated their interest in a variety of program topics addressing physical and mental health issues. Topics specific to HIV prevention were of interest to most MSM, but the level of interest was generally lower than for other topics. Compared with White MSM, African American MSM had higher overall interest in programs addressing safer sex and programs addressing serostatus disclosure. Higher active coping was related to more interest in a broad range of program topics for HIV-seropositive men, programs addressing safer sex, and programs addressing serostatus disclosure. Risk behavior was not associated with program interests. Gaining a better understanding of interest in a variety of program topics among persons living with HIV is an important step in enhancing HIV transmission prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cari Courtenay-Quirk
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/STD, TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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