Comparing Web-Based Platforms for Promoting HIV Self-Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The majority of those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are men who have sex with men (MSM), and young, minority MSM account for more new HIV infections than any other group. HIV transmission can be reduced through detection and early treatment initiation or starting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but rates of testing are lower than recommended among MSM and PrEP uptake has been slow. Although promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake by placing advertisements on web-based platforms—such as social media websites and dating apps—is a promising approach for promoting HIV testing and PrEP, the relative effectiveness of HIV prevention advertising on common web-based platforms is underexamined. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of advertisements placed on three types of web-based platforms (social media websites, dating applications [apps], and informational websites) for promoting HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake. METHODS Advertisements will be placed on social media websites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’d, Hornet), and informational search websites (Google, Yahoo, Bing) to recruit approximately 400 young (18-30 years), minority (Black/Latino) MSM at elevated risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment will occur in three waves, with each wave running advertisements on one website from each platform. The number of participants per platform is not pre-specified, and recruitment in each wave will occur until approximately 133 HIV self-tests are ordered. Participants will complete a baseline survey assessing risk behavior, substance use, psychological readiness to test, and attitudes and then receive an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Two follow-ups are planned to assess HIV self-test result and PrEP uptake. RESULTS Recruitment is in progress and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2020. CONCLUSIONS Findings may improve our understanding of how the platform users’ receptivity to test for HIV differs across web-based platforms and thus may assist in facilitating web-based HIV prevention campaigns. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502

The YGetIt? Program: A Mobile Application, PEEP, and Digital Comic Intervention to Improve HIV Care Outcomes for Young Adults

“…A review of HIV-focused social media interventions revealed increased access to information and enhanced ability to communicate (Cao et al, 2017). These interventions also provided anonymity, fostered virtual community, and expanded geographical reach (Lemley et al, 2020).…”