Overview
In an earlier study, the study team carried out an HIV/Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing approach which found men who have sex with men (MSM) at-risk of getting or spreading HIV in online spaces and linked them to testing services on a mobile van. The goal of this present study is to add on to this approach by connecting participants (MSM aged 18-49 residing in Baltimore City) with a peer health navigator to support them with getting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or HIV care services after testing. Researchers will compare using a peer health navigator approach to using a referrals-only approach to get PrEP or HIV care services. Participants will be assigned to either Arm A (group that receives peer health navigator help) or Arm B (group that gets referred) to get PrEP or HIV care.
Description
In the SS4SH pilot study, utilizing a data-driven approach in partnership with the local health department, the investigators analyzed local public health surveillance data to identify online sex partner meeting spaces frequently reported by (majority Black) MSM newly diagnosed with HIV and/or syphilis. The identified online spaces were used to advertise mobile van HIV/STI testing for MSM > 18 years of age over a 14-month period. The strategy and advertisements were informed by a community advisory board (CAB) of MSM hosted at a local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community-based organization to ensure local relevance, acceptability and feasibility.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male
- 18-49 years of age
- Ability to read and speak English
- Reside in Baltimore City
- Report sex with a male in the past 12 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- not male-self identified individual