Abstract
BackgroundMany HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prevention interventions are currently being implemented and evaluated, with little information published on their development. A framework highlighting the method of development of an intervention can be used by others wanting to replicate interventions or develop similar interventions to suit other contexts and settings. It provides researchers with a comprehensive development process of the intervention.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to describe how a systematic approach, intervention mapping, was used to develop a tailored Web-based intervention to increase condom use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.MethodsThe intervention was developed in consultation with a multidisciplinary team composed of academic researchers, community members, Web designers, and the target population. Intervention mapping involved a systematic process of 6 steps: (1) needs assessment; (2) identification of proximal intervention objectives; (3) selection of theory-based intervention methods and practical strategies; (4) development of intervention components and materials; (5) adoption, implementation, and maintenance; and (6) evaluation planning.ResultsThe application of intervention mapping resulted in the development of a tailored Web-based intervention for HIV-positive men who have sex with men, called Condom-HIM.ConclusionsUsing intervention mapping as a systematic process to develop interventions is a feasible approach that specifically integrates the use of theory and empirical findings. Outlining the process used to develop a particular intervention provides clarification on the conceptual use of experimental interventions in addition to potentially identifying reasons for intervention failures.
Highlights
Recent studies have found that individuals who use the Internet to meet sexual partners are at an elevated risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) [1,2,3]
The application of intervention mapping resulted in the development of a tailored Web-based intervention for HIV-positive men who have sex with men, called Condom-HIM
The principal investigator of the study conducted a total of 10 interviews with HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) from the local sexual health community center as well as 2 interviews with HIV counselors from the center who fit into the target population in order to identify the current needs of MSM
Summary
Recent studies have found that individuals who use the Internet to meet sexual partners are at an elevated risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) [1,2,3]. Using the Internet as a method of meeting sexual partners came to the attention of public health officials after a syphilis outbreak in San Francisco in 1999 was associated with increasing transmission among MSM, who were HIV-positive and met their partners online [8]. From a public health perspective, efforts to prevent HIV-positive, Internet-using MSM from transmitting HIV have been focused on the sexual high-risk behavior of having unprotected insertive and receptive anal sex with HIV-negative partners and those of unknown serostatus. As MSM were early adopters of the Internet, and given the increase in high-risk sexual behaviors, strategies using the same method of socializing should be considered when interventions are developed to prevent HIV transmission among this particular target population [12]. It provides researchers with a comprehensive development process of the intervention
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