e-HERO: Ending the HIV Epidemic in Rural Oklahoma
- Conditions
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Registration Number
- NCT05664802
- Lead Sponsor
- Northern Arizona University
- Brief Summary
The goal of this study is to increase HIV and syphilis testing and linkage to care, increase condom use, and promote PrEP uptake among sexual minority men (SMM) and American Indian (AI) men in rural Oklahoma, a state that is an Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority state. The proposed supplement aims to: refine our preliminary intervention strategy in partnership with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) and rural peer mentors, and to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of the e-HERO intervention.
- Detailed Description
In the U.S., incidence rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are disproportionately high among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men-referred to herein as sexual minority men (SMM)-compared to men who have sex with women only. Similarly, rates of HIV infection have increased among American Indian (AI) men. This is a two-group, active-control RCT of the online e-HERO intervention. Participants (100 SMM; 100 AI men) will be randomized into two groups in equal proportions. This study evaluates two versions of an online sexual health intervention. The e-HERO intervention includes 10 modules, totaling approximately 2.5 hours of content. Across these modules, e-HERO uses diverse delivery methods (e.g., videos, interactive games) to address HIV and STI knowledge, behavioral skills, HIV and STI testing intention, and instill self-efficacy to primary and secondary prevention behaviors. Those in the intervention condition will also engage in three virtual group discussion sessions with peer mentors. The control condition contains the same number of modules as e-HERO. The control condition contains the same number of modules as e-HERO. The control arm reflects HIV and STI information that is currently available on many websites, with the aim to understand how the cultural tailoring of e-HERO modules improves upon information that is readily available online.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sex
- Male
- Target Recruitment
- 200
- Provide signed and dated informed consent form
- Be willing and able to follow study procedures and instructions and be available for the duration of the study
- Be between 17 and 29 years of age
- Be American Indian or a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men. American Indian status is self-identified-no tribal enrollment verification will be required.
- Be a resident of Oklahoma, in a rural identified county
- Anything that would place the individual at increased risk or preclude the individual's full compliance with, or completion of, the study.
- HIV diagnosis
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method HIV testing uptake Assessed at the end of month 3 of the intervention. HIV testing uptake is assessed through the request of an at-home rapid HIV test through the e-HERO platforms.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method PrEP consult with medical provider 1 month and 3 months Single-item measure assessing if they have consulted with a medical provider among PrEP within the last month and/or 3 months.
HIV testing intention Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months Intention to get tested for HIV is assessed on a 6-point Likert scale (Extremely unlikely to get tested to Extremely likely to get tested).
STI testing intention Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months Intention to get tested for STIs is assessed on a 6-point Likert scale (Extremely unlikely to get tested to Extremely likely to get tested).
Condom use Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months Single-item assessment of condom use with sexual partner during the last sexual event.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Northern Arizona University
🇺🇸Flagstaff, Arizona, United States