SNS and PrEP Initiation and Adherence in Black SMM

Description

Specific Aim 1. Conduct 18 focus groups among Black gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men (SMM; n=72-90) in the Washington, DC area of different age groups (18-24, 25-34, 35+) and various pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use profiles (i.e., PrEP naïve, current PrEP users, and discontinued PrEP; two per age-group and PrEP use profile) to understand intervention feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness, how the intervention can address experienced and perceived socio-structural barriers, and increase PrEP initiation and adherence among Black SMM in the Washington, District of Columbia (DC) area. Specific Aim 2. Implement an iterative open-phase pilot of an SNS intervention to increase PrEP initiation among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative Black SMM, aged 18 years and above, in the Washington, DC area. Recruit 30 PrEP-using Black SMM, including those who use substances, as Recruiters to identify and refer Network Associates to PrEP services. The pilot will occur in six blocks of up to 5 Recruiters to further develop all intervention procedures and enhance the social networking strategy (SNS) intervention's feasibility and acceptability.

Conditions

HIV

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Specific Aim 1. Conduct 18 focus groups among Black gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men (SMM; n=72-90) in the Washington, DC area of different age groups (18-24, 25-34, 35+) and various pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use profiles (i.e., PrEP naïve, current PrEP users, and discontinued PrEP; two per age-group and PrEP use profile) to understand intervention feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness, how the intervention can address experienced and perceived socio-structural barriers, and increase PrEP initiation and adherence among Black SMM in the Washington, District of Columbia (DC) area. Specific Aim 2. Implement an iterative open-phase pilot of an SNS intervention to increase PrEP initiation among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative Black SMM, aged 18 years and above, in the Washington, DC area. Recruit 30 PrEP-using Black SMM, including those who use substances, as Recruiters to identify and refer Network Associates to PrEP services. The pilot will occur in six blocks of up to 5 Recruiters to further develop all intervention procedures and enhance the social networking strategy (SNS) intervention's feasibility and acceptability.

PrEP Initiation and Adherence Among Black SMM: A Social Network-Level Intervention

SNS and PrEP Initiation and Adherence in Black SMM

Condition
HIV
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Washington

Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc., Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 20010-1646

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age of 18 years or above
  • * Black or African American race
  • * Cisgender male identity
  • * Gay, bisexual or a male who has sex with other males
  • * Residence in the greater Washington, DC area (includes District of Columbia, Prince George's County, MD and Montgomery County, MD)
  • * Current PrEP use
  • * Confirmed HIV-negative status.
  • * Being younger than 18 years of age ;
  • * Cisgender or transgender female identity
  • * Males having sex with women exclusively
  • * Being unable to speak or read English
  • * Reside outside of the defined greater Washington, DC area
  • * Being unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent
  • * Being unable to comply with the requirements of the protocol (e.g. persons with mental health conditions, persons who are intoxicated or incoherent for other reasons)
  • * Being a member of other vulnerable populations: pregnant women, children or wards of the state.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

MALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc.,

DeMarc A Hickson, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Executive Director

Study Record Dates

2023-12