Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) who use methamphetamine experience high risks for HIV infection due to sexual transmission behaviors often engaged in when under the influence of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine-using MSM use various forms of information technology (IT) communication such as instant messaging, social networking sites, and websites to facilitate a sexual and/or drug “hook up.” Given the acceptability of IT communication in their daily lives, an IT intervention represents an appropriate strategy to reach and intervene with out-of-treatment, methamphetamine-using MSM. The aim of this study was to conduct formative work to develop a text messaging intervention to reduce methamphetamine use and high-risk sexual behaviors among out-of-treatment MSM, which involved conducting focus groups, community partners’ meetings, and a pre-test intervention. These activities culminated in the development of a two-week, text-messaging intervention that delivered real-time electronic correspondence based on the behavioral change theories of Social Support Theory, Health Belief Model, and Social Cognitive Theory. The focus groups, community meetings, and pre-test were used to identify the IT communication device, the text messages that best support risk reduction and healthier behavioral choices, and logo, flyer and website development. The input and feedback from the target population and community partners were critical to the successful development of a culturally appropriate intervention. The knowledge gleaned from the formative work of this study will be vitally helpful in designing future IT studies.
Highlights
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and who are methamphetamine users are at high risk for HIV acquisition and transmission
Methamphetamine use among MSM is highly associated with commission of sexual risk behaviors [3,4,5,6,7,8], which are associated with an increased likelihood of being HIVinfected [9, 10] or having a sexually transmitted infection [5, 11,12,13,14]
Of all newly diagnosed HIV infections in 2006, i.e., within 12 months, in the United States, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 55% were among MSM [16]
Summary
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and who are methamphetamine users are at high risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. In particular, functions as a sex drug in gay communities, where it is used to initiate and enhance sexual encounters [1, 2]. Of all newly diagnosed HIV infections in 2006, i.e., within 12 months, in the United States, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 55% were among MSM [16]. These recent increases in MSM underscore that this population continues to be at the core of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the
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