Iteratively Developing an mHealth HIV Prevention Program for Sexual Minority Adolescent Men

Abstract

Five activities were implemented between November 2012 and June 2014 to develop an mHealth HIV prevention program for adolescent gay, bisexual, and queer men (AGBM): (1) focus groups to gather acceptability of the program components; (2) ongoing development of content; (3) Content Advisory Teams to confirm the tone, flow, and understandability of program content; (4) an internal team test to alpha test software functionality; and (5) a beta test to test the protocol and intervention messages. Findings suggest that AGBM preferred positive and friendly content that at the same time, did not try to sound like a peer. They deemed the number of daily text messages (i.e., 8–15 per day) to be acceptable. The Text Buddy component was well received but youth needed concrete direction about appropriate discussion topics. AGBM determined the self-safety assessment also was acceptable. Its feasible implementation in the beta test suggests that AGBM can actively self-determine their potential danger when participating in sexual health programs. Partnering with the target population in intervention development is critical to ensure that a salient final product and feasible protocol are created.

Recruiting a US National Sample of HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men to Complete at-Home Self-Administered HIV/STI Testing and Surveys: Challenges and Opportunities

“…Other researchers have used a combination of both face-to-face (e.g., in gay concentrated neighborhoods/venues) and social media to recruit for their studies (Bauermeister, Ventuneac, Pingel, & Parsons, 2012; Elford, Bolding, Davis, Sherr, & Hart, 2004; Fernandez et al, 2004; Hernandez-Romieu et al, 2014; Hightow-Weidman et al, 2015; Hirshfield et al, 2004; Lelutiu-Weinberger et al, 2014; Mitchell & Petroll, 2013; Pachankis et al, 2014; Parsons et al., 2013; Raymond et al, 2010; Siegler et al, 2013; Vial et al, 2014, 2015; Ybarra et al, 2014; Ybarra et al., in press; Young, 2014; Young et al, 2014). Yet, studies have shown that samples recruited via the Internet versus venue-based sampling differ in terms of substance use and sexual behavior (Grov, Rendina, & Parsons, 2014; Hernandez-Romieu et al, 2014; Parsons et al, 2013; Raymond et al, 2010; Vial et al, 2014).…”

The Effect of a Text Messaging Based HIV Prevention Program on Sexual Minority Male Youths: A National Evaluation of Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Guy2Guy

“…Between June – November 2014, 302 gay, bisexual, and/or queer males from across the United States were enrolled into a randomized controlled trial testing a text messaging-based HIV prevention program (Guy2Guy) [30,31] . In order to participate in this study, individuals needed to: 1) be between 14 and 18 years of age at baseline; 2) be cisgender (i.e., male sex and male gender identity); 3) be English speaking; 4) identify as gay, bisexual, and/or queer; 5) be the exclusive owner of a cell phone with an unlimited text messaging plan; 6) have used text messaging for at least 6 months; and 7) intend to have the same number for the next 6 months.…”

Ethical Considerations in Recruiting Online and Implementing a Text Messaging–Based HIV Prevention Program With Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Adolescent Males

“…Guy2Guy is a text messaging-based HIV prevention and healthy sexuality program tailored to address unique concerns and considerations facing AGBM [20]. Based upon the Information-Motivation-Behavior model of HIV preventive behavior, content areas included: HIV information (e.g., what it is and how to prevent it), motivation (e.g., reasons why AGBM may choose to use condoms), and behavioral skills (e.g., how to put on a condom correctly) [21, 22].…”

“…The protocol and intervention components were tested for acceptability and feasibility using an iterative formative approach [20]. First, focus groups were conducted to understand how youth make sexual decisions and obtain feedback about study components (e.g., the Text Buddy concept, which has been used in previous text messaging programs [23, 24]).…”