Advancing HIV Prevention and Linkage to Care Among MSM With Gamification

University of California (UC), Berkeley

Status: Completed

Conditions: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; HIV Infections

Treatments: Behavioral: Stick To It

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02946164

R34MH106359

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 166 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 26 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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166 participants in 2 patient groups

Comparison: Standard of Care

No Intervention group

Description:

Standard services available to all men at AHF Wellness Centers.

Intervention: 'Stick To It' Intervention

Active Comparator group

Description:

Behavioral intervention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Stick To It