*Sean Young, Ph.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at UCLA
Oral Presentation – Research Track
Sunday, Sept 30, 2012: 10:18 AM – 10:38 AM – LK130
*Presenting Speaker
(Research in Progress)
Background
While populations at risk for HIV, such as African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are increasingly using social networking technologies, no studies have addressed whether these technologies can be used to sustainably scale HIV prevention and testing. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of using social networking technologies as a platform for a peer-delivered HIV prevention intervention among African American and Latino MSM.
Methods
One hundred and twelve African American and Latino MSM Facebook users were recruited through online and offline methods as part of a 12-week HIV prevention intervention on Facebook. Peer leaders were randomly assigned to deliver either HIV or general health information to participants via secret Facebook groups. Participants completed baseline and follow-up surveys on demographics, Internet/social media usage, HIV testing, and sexual risk behaviors. Participants were able to request a free home-based HIV testing kit.
Results
In Progress
Conclusions
Interim results suggest that a peer-led HIV prevention Facebook intervention is a feasbile and acceptable intervention to increase HIV prevention among at-risk populations.
