Finding and Recruiting the Highest Risk HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men

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.

Relative Efficiency of Field and Online Strategies in the Recruitment of HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…Recruitment of HIV-positive MSM presents unique challenges, but also the possibility of recruiting in venues that are typically not included in strategies aimed at reaching HIV-negative MSM (e.g., ASOs). The present analyses will provide a more nuanced understanding of the efficiency of different recruitment venues in reaching self-identified HIV-positive MSM, thus expanding on Parsons et al (2013) and complementing the findings by Vial et al (2014).…”

“…This is particularly true with regards to specific subgroups of HIV-positive MSM who tend to be underrepresented relative to their HIV prevalence, such as racial/ethnic minorities (Du Bois, Johnson, & Mustanski, 2012). Because different recruitment strategies vary in the characteristics of the samples they yield (Fisher, Purcell, Hoff, Parsons, & O’Leary, 2006; Grov, 2012; Parsons et al, 2013; Vial, Starks, & Parsons, 2014), knowing where to concentrate efforts can maximize the likelihood of reaching specific subgroups of HIV-positive MSM. However, despite the potential utility of this information, few studies report associations among recruitment venue and risk behaviors or HIV prevalence (Barresi et al, 2010).…”

“…We thus expand on Parsons et al (2013) by focusing on HIV-positive MSM exclusively, and by performing a more detailed analysis on specific subgroups of HIV-positive MSM. A similar approach was taken by Vial et al (2014) focusing on HIV-negative MSM. Recruitment of HIV-positive MSM presents unique challenges, but also the possibility of recruiting in venues that are typically not included in strategies aimed at reaching HIV-negative MSM (e.g., ASOs).…”

Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Established Geosocial and Sexual Networking Mobile Applications to Promote HIV and STD Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…Internet samples of MSM, compared to those recruited through conventional sampling (e.g., face-to-face and snowball sampling), are more likely to identify as bisexual, have sex with women (MSMW), and engage in high-risk sexual behavior [25, 26] and MSMW are less likely to have been exposed to AIDS prevention interventions [27]. Rates of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 3 months have also been found to be high among MSM who use Grindr [28, 29] and MSM recruited online report higher rates of UAI than MSM recruited at clubs or bars and in community venues [30]. …”

Using Facebook as a Platform to Direct Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men to a Video-Based HIV Testing Intervention: A Feasibility Study

“…Furthermore, a database search revealed few studies that have explored the use of Facebook (Bull et al, 2011). The studies using Facebook have focused on topics, such as sexual health, HIV education, influence of religion on behaviors, recruitment strategies, and social networks (Bull et al, 2011; Bull, Levine, Black, Schmiege, & Santelli, 2012; Hunter et al, 2014; Vial, Starks, & Parsons, 2014; Washington, Patel, & Meyer-Adams, 2015; Young, Dutta, & Dommety, 2009; Young, Holloway, et al, 2014; Young & Jordan, 2013; Young, Shakiba, Kwok, & Montazeri, 2014). No studies were revealed that aimed to deliver a motivational video intervention to increase HIV testing uptake among young BMSM with preintervention and postintervention assessment of risk behaviors and HIV testing uptake.…”