Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internet Application to Reduce HIV Transmission Behavior Among HIV Infected Men Who have Sex with Men

AIDS Behav. 2016 Jun;20(6):1173-1181. doi: 10.1007/s10461-015-1215-7.

Abstract

We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial of an internet-based safer-sex intervention to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors. HIV-infected men who have sex with men (n = 179) were randomized to receive a monthly internet survey alone or a monthly survey plus tailored risk reduction messages over 12 months. The primary outcome was the cumulative sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence over 12 months. Secondary outcomes included self-reported unprotected sex with an at risk partner and disclosure of HIV status to partners. In a modified intent to treat analysis, there was no difference in 12-month STI incidence between the intervention and control arms (30 vs. 25 %, respectively; p = 0.5). Unprotected sex decreased and disclosure increased over time in both study arms. These improvements suggest that addition of the risk-reduction messages provided little benefit beyond the self-monitoring of risky behavior via regular self-report risk behavior assessments (as was done in both study arms).

Keywords: HIV; Internet; Intervention; Men who have sex with men; Randomized controlled trial; Risk behaviors; Sexually transmitted infection.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Risk-Taking
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult