HIV Infections, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALStick To It
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.
Sponsors
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 26 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat HIV Testing | 6 months | The number of men in the intervention who receive ≥1 additional HIV tests over 6 months of follow-up |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HIV-related risk behavior | 6 months | 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 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed