A Pilot Evaluation of “Tayf”, a Cultural Adaptation of Mpowerment for Young Men who Have Sex with Men (YMSM) in Beirut, Lebanon, and Its Effects on Condomless Sex and HIV Testing

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of a culturally adapted evidence-based HIV prevention intervention (Mpowerment), named "Tayf", on condom use and HIV testing among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Beirut. A 2-year implementation of Tayf was carried out independently and in parallel with a research cohort of 226 YMSM who were surveyed at baseline and months 6, 12, 18 and 24 after Tayf initiation. Primary outcomes were (1) any condomless anal sex with HIV-positive or unknown status partners in the past 3months, and (2) HIV testing in the past six months. Hierarchical logistic regression models examined the association of Tayf participation with the outcomes averaged across all assessments, and the moderating effect of Tayf participation on change in the outcomes over the follow-up period. A total of 331 YMSM attended at least one event, including 33% of the cohort. Tayf participation was associated with a higher rate of any condomless sex with HIV-positive or unknown status partners averaged across the five assessments, but there was no moderating effect of Tayf participation on change in this outcome over time. Tayf participation was associated with higher HIV testing when averaged across all assessments, but its interaction with time showed that the strength of this association diminished over time. In conclusion, Tayf proved feasible and acceptable in Beirut, but with limited effects. Further work is needed, including innovative publicity and marketing strategies, to bolster effects in high stigma settings where security and legal risks are prominent.