An Evaluation of Mpowerment on Individual-Level HIV Risk Behavior, Testing, and Psychosocial Factors Among Young MSM of Color: The Monitoring and Evaluation of MP (MEM) Project

Abstract

Young men who have sex with men (MSM) of color are at increased risk for HIV infection. Mpowerment (MP) is an intervention designed to reduce risky sexual behavior and increase HIV testing among young MSM ages 18-29. From 2009 to 2012, three community-based organizations with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evaluated MP among N = 298 participants. Following a repeated measures design, data from 3- and 6-month follow-ups were compared to baseline. HIV testing and self-efficacy for safer sex increased at both follow-up time points; self-acceptance as an MSM was higher at follow-up 2. Condomless anal/vaginal sex was lower at follow-up 1 only. Frequency of exchange of safer sex messages among gay/bisexual/transgender friends was lower at follow-up 1, but similar to baseline at follow-up 2. Exposure to MP was associated with improved perceived positive social norms about safer sex and safer sex messages among gay/bisexual/transgender friends.

Geographic and Individual Associations with PrEP Stigma: Results from the RADAR Cohort of Diverse Young Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women

“…Similarly, HIV prevention interventions that focus on increasing motivations for safer sex behaviors have been shown to impact perceived norms about condom use and similar approaches could be applied to PrEP. (62–64) As our findings on the racial and geographical differences in PrEP stigma reveal, further tailoring of the intervention is indicated for these two important contextual factors.…”

Screening for HIV and linkage to care in adolescents: insights from a systematic review of recent interventions in high- versus low- and middle-income settings

“…The interventions were organized into six categories as defined in Table 3. The interventions to increase HIV testing among adolescents and young adults consisted of behavioral/educational interventions (N=4)29,30,55,56, alternate venue/self-testing (N=11),31–34,42–45,50,57,58 youth-friendly services (N=2),59,60 technology/mobile health (N=9),16,35–39,49,51,61 incentives (N=3),53,54,62 and peer/community-based interventions (N=7) 40,41,46–48,52,63. The median sample size was 613 individuals (inter-quartile range=261–2,169).…”

“…The median sample size was 613 individuals (inter-quartile range=261–2,169). The types of studies included RCTs (N=13),29,31,36,38,39,42,45,47,49,51,55,60,62 observational studies (N=15),16,32–35,41,44,58,61 and quasi-experimental/pre–post evaluations (N=8) 30,37,40,46,52,54,56,59…”

“…Of the 36 studies included in our review, 13 were RCTs and 23 were observational studies 16,30,32–35,37,40,41,44,46,52,54,56,58,59,61. Three of the RCTs39,42,62 and five of the observational studies43,44,52,54,61 were presented in abstracts; these studies were excluded from the risk of bias assessment due to insufficient information.…”

Investigating Conceptual Models for the Relationship Between Depression and Condomless Sex Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who have Sex with Men: Using Structural Equation Modelling to Assess Mediation

“…Among sexually active GBMSM attending GUM services, management of depression alongside interventions surrounding self-efficacy for sexual safety may play an important role in HIV/STI prevention. In order to provide individuals with the tools needed to exercise self-protective control over interpersonal sexual situations, it may be useful to offer a guided self-enablement programme that simulates experiences of mastery in the exercise of personal control [60][61][62]. A combination of efforts that address stress related to sexual minority status and socio-economic hardships common to the general population may be important factors in alleviation of depressive symptomatology.…”