Developing mHealth to Promote PrEP Use Among Thai Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Summary

The goal of this study is to develop and pilot test technology-based interventions to promote Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among Thai young men who have sex with men (YMSM).

Conditions

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Motivational Enhancement System for PrEP Uptake and Adherence (MES-PrEP)

MES-PrEP is a two-session computer-delivered intervention based on IMB model. The intervention is tailored based on the person's ratings of perceived importance and confidence of initiating PrEP and sustaining adherence to PrEP. Participants are routed to different intervention content based on their assessment of their importance and confidence. Youth are provided with feedback on scores on the knowledge assessment followed by information about protective effect that can result from improved PrEP adherence. Finally, participants are asked to set a goal: obtain PrEP prescription, optimal adherence, practice steps, or thinking about it more, and they form plans for overcoming barriers. In the second session, branches are based on whether the youth felt they met the goal, partially met the goal, or did not meet the goal. Sessions of MES-PrEP will occur at baseline and month 1.

BEHAVIORAL

Motivational Interactive Text Messaging (MTM)

Participants will receive automated motivational text messages to promote PrEP initiation and adherence. These contents will be customized based on their readiness to change in regards to PrEP. The message content is individualized based on participant response to baseline survey. Those participants who indicate that they are "ready" to set the goal to take PrEP will receive text messages reminding them to take PrEP. Those who indicate that they are less than ready to take their PrEP can choose from a range of alternatives, such as taking on-demand PrEP or just think about taking PrEP. For those who are not ready to take PrEP, the content will be individualized based on the participant's choice, i.e., a daily message encouraging them to work toward their chosen goal. Participants who are currently not on PrEP will receive daily text messages regarding PrEP effectiveness, HIV risk and where to access PrEP.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard PrEP Counseling

All participants will received one-on-one, face to face counseling from lay providers at baseline, months 1, 3 and 6. Standard PrEP counseling includes sexual and behavioral risk assessment for HIV/STIs and risk reduction. For those not on PrEP, the sessions will focus on risk perception, awareness of PrEP/post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and facilitators and barriers of accessing PrEP. For those on PrEP, the sessions will focus on adherence. Standard counseling sessions will be nonjudgmental, non-discriminatory and client-centered.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• Wayne State University

  collaborator OTHER

• Institute of HIV Research and Innovation Foundation, Thailand

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Massachusetts, Worcester

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Bo Wang, PhD · University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-02-23

Primary Completion

2025-07-17

Completion

2025-07-17

Countries

• Thailand

Study Locations