Facilitating HIV Testing Among Young Adult MSM Through Social Networking

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new approach to increase HIV testing among young adult Black, Hispanic, and white men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). In this randomized, controlled trial, participants will be assigned to one of three HIV testing groups: (1) rapid HIV self-testing group (OraQuick® In-home HIV Test), (2) conventional "home-based" HIV testing group (Home Access Express), and (3) community/medical-based HIV testing group. Upon completion of testing, participants will receive a questionnaire to evaluate their HIV testing experience, and also inquire about recommendations for future testing. Study participants will also have the option to refer other study eligible males to the study via email.

Conditions

• HIV

Interventions

DEVICE

Rapid HIV Self-Test (OraQuick® In-home HIV Test)

The participant will utilize materials and directions contained within the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test kit to properly perform a rapid HIV self-test. The participant will first swab his upper and lower gums using an Oral Swab Test Stick. The participant will then place this device in a test tube, and the results will be displayed in the Test Window within 20 minutes. Test results expire after 40 minutes.

DEVICE

Conventional Home-Based HIV Test (Home Access Express)

The participant will utilize materials and directions contained within the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System to properly perform a conventional home-based HIV test. The participant is required to gather a blood sample by lancing his finger. Blood samples are collected by placing drops of blood on a packaged specimen card. The participant will then mail his blood sample to the Home Access laboratory using a self-addressed, pre-paid shipping envelope. The Home Access laboratory will process the blood sample, and the participant is required to call the facility to learn his HIV test result.

OTHER

Community/Medical-Based HIV Test

The participant will receive a link to a CDC website (https://gettested.cdc.gov) to search for HIV testing locations in his surroudning community. This resource website will provide the participant with places that offer HIV testing for free or at a low cost. The participant also has the option of going to places that can use his insurance or charge for testing. The pariticant is responsible to pay for any testing costs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rhode Island Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Roland C Merchant, MD · Rhode Island Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SCREENING

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

24 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2015-02-28

Primary Completion

2016-02-28

Completion

2017-04-27