Motivating men who have sex with men to get tested for HIV through the internet and mobile phones: a qualitative study

Magaly M Blas, Luis A Menacho, Isaac E Alva, Robinson Cabello, E Roberto Orellana, Magaly M Blas, Luis A Menacho, Isaac E Alva, Robinson Cabello, E Roberto Orellana

Abstract

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest HIV prevalence in Peru, yet they are underserved by traditional preventive programs. In Peru, the Internet and mobile phones have emerged as an effective and convenient tool to reach this population.

Methods and findings: From October 2010 to February 2011, we conducted eight focus groups with gay identified MSM (closeted and out-of-the-closet) and with self-identified heterosexual MSM in order to identify key features and preferences to be used to tailor culturally-appropriate messages that could be delivered through Internet and mobile phones to motivate MSM to get tested for HIV. Participants reported that in order to motivate HIV testing among MSM, interventions need to be based on motivational messages that encourage participants to overcome the fear of getting tested. Messages should increase the HIV risk perception (of participants who do not consider themselves at risk) by eliciting risky situations experienced by MSM. Messages should emphasize confidentiality, respect and the professionalism of the personnel conducting the counseling and testing. A thorough explanation of the process of HIV testing and the steps to follow after receiving the results should be provided. Messages should also contain information about the venue where the test will be conducted in terms of client characteristics, location, hours of operation and personnel. Finally, stigmatizing and stereotyping messages or images about "being gay" should not be included, as they act as deterrents for getting tested.

Conclusions: Interventions aimed at motivating HIV testing among MSM should include motivational messages that reduce the fear of getting tested and increase the risk perception of participants. They should also market the venue where the testing will be conducted, the professionals who will perform the tests, and the type of tests available. Stigmatizing messages or images should be avoided.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

References

    1. UNAIDS (2010) UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2010. Available: . Accessed 2012 Feb 24.
    1. Blas MM, Alva IE, Carcamo CP, Cabello R, Goodreau SM, et al. (2010) Effect of an online video-based intervention to increase HIV testing in men who have sex with men in Peru. PLoS One 5(5): e10448.
    1. UNGASS (2012) Country progress report: Peru. Available: . Accessed 2012 Jul 7.
    1. Sanchez J, Lama JR, Kusunoki L, Manrique H, Goicochea P, et al. (2007) HIV-1, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual behavior trends among men who have sex with men in Lima, Peru. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 44(5): 578–85.
    1. Goodreau SM, Peinado J, Goicochea P, Vergara J, Ojeda N, et al. (2007) Role versatility among men who have sex with men in urban Peru. J Sex Res 44(3): 233–9.
    1. Kusunoki L GJ, Navarro C, Velasquez C (2005) Report of Monitoring the declaration of commitment on HIV/AIDS Peru. Available: . Accessed 2012 Feb 24.
    1. Blas MM, Alva IE, Cabello R, Carcamo C, Kurth AE (2011) Risk behaviors and reasons for not getting tested for HIV among men who have sex with men: an online survey in Peru. PLoS One 6(11): e27334.
    1. OSIPTEL (2012) Statistics, research and publications. Available: . Accessed 2012 Jul 7.
    1. Curioso WH, Alex Quistberg D, Cabello R, Gozzer E, Garcia PJ, et al... (2009) “It's time for your life”: How should we remind patients to take medicines using short text messages? AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 129–33.
    1. Blas MM, Alva IE, Cabello R, Garcia PJ, Carcamo C, et al. (2007) Internet as a tool to access high-risk men who have sex with men from a resource-constrained setting: a study from Peru. Sex Transm Infect. 83(7): 567–570.
    1. Curioso WH, Kurth AE (2007) Access, use and perceptions regarding Internet, cell phones and PDAs as a means for health promotion for people living with HIV in Peru. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 7: 24.
    1. Glaser BG, Strauss AL (1967) The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. Chicago: Aldine.
    1. Padgett D (2008) Qualitative methods in social work research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sage Publications.
    1. Lapinski MK, Nwulu P (2008) Can a short film impact HIV-related risk and stigma perceptions? Results from an experiment in Abuja, Nigeria. Health Commun Sep 23(5): 403–12.
    1. Dowson L, Kober C, Perry N, Fisher M, Richardson D (2012) Why some MSM present late for HIV testing: a qualitative analysis. AIDS Care Feb 24(2): 204–9.
    1. Plant A, Montoya JA, Rotblatt H, Kerndt PR, Mall KL, et al. (2010) Stop the sores: the making and evaluation of a successful social marketing campaign. Health Promot Pract Jan 11(1): 23–33.
    1. Grier S, Bryant CA (2005) Social marketing in public health. Annu Rev Public Health 26: 319–39.
    1. Rimal RN, Brown J, Mkandawire G, Folda L, Böse K, et al. (2009) Audience segmentation as a social-marketing tool in health promotion: use of the risk perception attitude framework in HIV prevention in Malawi. Am J Public Health Dec 99(12): 2224–9.

Source: PubMed

Patrocinadores y Colaboradores

Condiciones médicas

Intervenciones de drogas

3
Suscribir