Advancing HIV Prevention and Linkage to Care Among MSM With Gamification

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: HIV Infections; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Interventions: Behavioral: Stick To It

• Registration Number: NCT02946164
• Lead Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2016-10
• Study First Submitted: 2016-10-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-10-25
• Study First Posted: 2016-10-27
• Primary Completion: 2017-10-31
• Study Completion: 2017-12-31
• Status Verified: 2018-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-02-20
• Last Update Posted: 2018-02-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 166

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Intervention: 'Stick To It' Intervention	Stick To It	Behavioral intervention.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

AHF Wellness Center Oakland; 🇺🇸 Oakland, California, United States

AHF Hollywood Wellness Center; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States