Advancing HIV Prevention and Linkage to Care Among MSM With Gamification

University of California, Berkeley166 enrolled

Overview

This study is a pilot evaluation of 'Stick To It', a behavioral intervention based on the concept of gamification. The objective of the program is to encourage young men who have sex with men (MSM) to be regularly screened for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to adopt safer sexual behaviors, with the ultimate goal to decrease HIV and STI incidence. Gamification is the application of game elements, like points, badges, and rewards, to non-game settings.

The investigators will conduct a quasi-experimental pilot study of 'Stick To It', a prevention intervention that uses gamification principles and mechanics. The intervention includes an online timer that reminds men to get tested, online quizzes, and peer recruitment; these activities are awarded with points redeemable for chances at prizes at participating clinics. The intervention was designed based on findings from interviews with health staff and focus groups with young MSM, and with input from a gamification consultant. The primary hypothesis is that the intervention will increase repeat HIV/STI testing among young MSM. The intervention will be implemented at two STI clinics in Oakland and Los Angeles, California in 2-week intervals for six months. The investigators will review medical records of exposed and unexposed young MSM attending the same STI clinics to compare uptake of quarterly HIV testing and self-reported behavior after six months.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

166

Conditions

HIV Infections Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Interventions

Stick To ItBEHAVIORAL

The intervention is a prize system linked to points earned through online and real-world activities designed to incentivize young MSM to test for HIV and STIs every three months. Participants receive points for pre-determined activities, such as: answering online quizzes, inviting friends to participate, and getting tested for HIV/STIs. Points are redeemable in person at two AIDS Healthcare Foundation Men's Wellness Centers, where participants will be able to exchange their points for gumballs from a gumball machine; different color combinations of gumballs correspond to prizes of different values. Participants are reminded to get tested regularly via SMS messages; in addition, they can check when their next test is due by checking their testing timer on the stick2it.org website.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 26 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-26 years of age * male * self-identify as gay / bisexual / queer * willing and able to provide informed consent to join the Stick To It program * resident in one of several zip code areas surrounding the clinic Exclusion Criteria: * Not a resident of one of included zip code areas

Locations (2)

AHF Hollywood Wellness Center

Los Angeles, California, United States

AHF Wellness Center Oakland

Oakland, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Repeat HIV Testing

The number of men in the intervention who receive ≥1 additional HIV tests over 6 months of follow-up

Time frame: 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

HIV-related risk behavior

We will determine the number of reported sex partners, the prevalence and frequency of unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of opposite or unknown status in the past 6 months

Time frame: 6 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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