NCT02946164

Advancing HIV Prevention and Linkage to Care Among MSM With Gamification

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 166 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 26 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study is a pilot evaluation of 'Stick To It', a behavioral intervention based on the concept of gamification. The objective of the program is to encourage young men who have sex with men (MSM) to be regularly screened for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to adopt safer sexual behaviors, with the ultimate goal to decrease HIV and STI incidence. Gamification is the application of game elements, like points, badges, and rewards, to non-game settings.

Detailed description

The investigators will conduct a quasi-experimental pilot study of 'Stick To It', a prevention intervention that uses gamification principles and mechanics. The intervention includes an online timer that reminds men to get tested, online quizzes, and peer recruitment; these activities are awarded with points redeemable for chances at prizes at participating clinics. The intervention was designed based on findings from interviews with health staff and focus groups with young MSM, and with input from a gamification consultant. The primary hypothesis is that the intervention will increase repeat HIV/STI testing among young MSM. The intervention will be implemented at two STI clinics in Oakland and Los Angeles, California in 2-week intervals for six months. The investigators will review medical records of exposed and unexposed young MSM attending the same STI clinics to compare uptake of quarterly HIV testing and self-reported behavior after six months.

Conditions

• HIV Infections
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Stick To It	The intervention is a prize system linked to points earned through online and real-world activities designed to incentivize young MSM to test for HIV and STIs every three months. Participants receive points for pre-determined activities, such as: answering online quizzes, inviting friends to participate, and getting tested for HIV/STIs. Points are redeemable in person at two AIDS Healthcare Foundation Men's Wellness Centers, where participants will be able to exchange their points for gumballs from a gumball machine; different color combinations of gumballs correspond to prizes of different values. Participants are reminded to get tested regularly via SMS messages; in addition, they can check when their next test is due by checking their testing timer on the stick2it.org website.

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-10-01
• Primary completion: 2017-10-31
• Completion: 2017-12-31
• First posted: 2016-10-27
• Last updated: 2018-02-22

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: United States