Abstract
Expanding HIV cluster detection using molecular HIV surveillance (MHS) raises ethical and social concerns, which may impede HIV outbreak detection and response as well as deter people living with HIV from seeking care. This underscores the need for effective communication strategies. We examined two methods for explaining MHS among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV and at-risk without HIV in the United States. Participants recruited during the 2021 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) were randomized to view a brief video (N = 822) or text (N = 1701) explaining MHS. Respondents with high video engagement were less likely to be concerned about MHS. In the text group, discomfort with MHS decreased as awareness of different public health activities increased. Overall, information about MHS and increased awareness of it improved its acceptability. Effective communication is an essential prerequisite for meaningfully engaging stakeholders regarding MHS implementation in HIV prevention and control efforts.
Published Version
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