In this MARI application, we propose to develop and pilot test an intervention to improve the science of treatment as prevention (TasP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake as a public health strategy to decrease new HIV infections among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM. The proposed research uses a 3-phase study design to address our proposed Specific Aims. First, we will use focus groups to gather feedback on our existing interactive Men2MenRI website that was developed for and by predominately White MSM in Rhode Island that includes information on TasP/PrEP, as well as other health and wellness topics to make it more culturally-tailored for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM. Second, we will use cognitive interviewing techniques to develop and assess the acceptability of Information- Motivation-Behavioral (IMB)/Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-grounded social media message content designed to motivate and encourage access to our newly developed and culturally-tailored interactive website. Third, we will pilot test a two-arm trial comparing the combination of sending IMB/SCT-guided messages plus the newly developed and culturally-tailored interactive website (active arm) to the website alone (control arm) to examine whether the combination approach will: 1) increase TasP/PreP uptake (primary outcome); 2) increase knowledge of, more favorable attitudes toward, and increase behavioral intentions of TasP and PrEP use among Black/African American and Hispanic Latino MSM (secondary outcome); and 3) decrease sexual-risk behaviors (exploratory outcome). The proposed study is innovative in the use of a combination approach to TasP/PrEP uptake that leverages advances in social media as a platform for motivating behavior change.
Public Health Relevancy This project has the potential to improve the implementation science of TasP/PrEP uptake as a public health strategy for reducing new HIV infections in the United States. We will develop and pilot test an intervention that combines messages sent over social media plus a newly developed interactive website specifically developed by and for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM to encourage TasP/PrEP use. Findings from this research can guide policy guidelines and recommendations for TasP/PrEP uptake for high-risk groups.
| Adams, Joëlla W; Bryant, Kendall J; Edelman, E Jennifer et al. (2018) Correction to: Association of Cannabis, Stimulant, and Alcohol use with Mortality Prognosis Among HIV-Infected Men. AIDS Behav 22:2382 |
| van den Berg, Jacob J; Silverman, Taylor; Fernandez, M Isabel et al. (2018) Using eHealth to Reach Black and Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men Regarding Treatment as Prevention and Preexposure Prophylaxis: Protocol for a Small Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 7:e11047 |
| Silverman, Taylor; Asante, Nicole; van den Berg, Jacob J (2018) Quality of HIV Websites With Information About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or Treatment as Prevention for Men Who Have Sex With Men: Systematic Evaluation. JMIR Public Health Surveill 4:e11384 |
| Pérez, Ashley E; Gamarel, Kristi E; van den Berg, Jacob J et al. (2018) Sexual and behavioral health disparities among African American sexual minority men and women. Ethn Health :1-12 |
