260639 An evaluation of a CDC-funded HIV prevention behavioral intervention designed for men who have sex with men (MSM)-- Results from the monitoring and evaluation of Mpowerment (MEM)

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Tamika Hoyte, MPH , Division of HIV AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Gene Shelley, PhD , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Adanze Eke, MS , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention; Program Evaluation Branch, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Altanta, GA
Carolyn Wright, BS , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention; Program Evaluation Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Kelly Bell, ASDP , MANILA Consulting Group, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Weston Williams, MHS , Evidence-based Decision and Policy Making Group, MANILA Consulting Group, Inc, McLean, VA
Gary Uhl, PhD , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention; Program Evaluation Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
  
Issues: MSM are disproportionately affected by HIV . The Mpowerment Project (MP), a community-level intervention designed for young gay/bisexual men, was scientifically shown to reduce unprotected anal intercourse among primarily white young MSM (YMSM). Features include embedding HIV prevention activities within social/community activities, empowering YMSM to lead activities, and promoting safer sex norms.

Description: Three CDC-funded community-based organizations (CBOs) targeting YMSM of color (AID Atlanta, CALOR, and Family Health Centers of San Diego) for their MPs currently participate in MEM. Data are collected using client-administered handheld computers from MEM participants at enrollment (baseline), and three (follow-up 1) and six (follow-up 2) months. Participant characteristics and participation in MEM will be described, and changes in risk behaviors post-intervention will be assessed. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test for significant changes in risk behaviors after the intervention.

Lessons Learned: Preliminary analyses indicate a significant decrease in unprotected sex with a male in the previous three months at follow-up 1 (OR=0.73; 95% CI=0.54, 0.98) among MEM participants. Follow-up 2 data collection is currently ongoing. This presentation will describe the final self-reported, client-level outcomes among MEM participants at three CBOs at both follow-up time points.

Recommendations: CBOs targeting YMSM of color should implement MP as a tool to reduce HIV risk behaviors. MEM results show a desirable change in unprotected sex among YMSM of color participating in MP conducted in real-world settings.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice

Learning Objectives:
Describe outcomes of the Mpowerment intervention implemented in community-based organizations.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have over 5 years of experience working in public health in the following settings: university, state health department, and CDC. To date, I have worked with implementing and evaluating HIV prevention interventions as well as conducting HIV/AIDS surveillance. Additionally, I have led the data-related activities in the evaluation project being presented.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5013.0: HIV/AIDS Interventions: Sharing Lessons Learned from the Field