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336387
E-health video-group interventions for MSM living with HIV: Potential for increasing intervention reach


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

DeAnne Turner, MPH, College of Public Health, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ayesha Johnson, MSc, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Vinita Sharma, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Rachel Logan, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Stephanie L. Marhefka, PhD, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health; Chiles Center, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
     
Background: Few studies have investigated the use of group-based video conferencing in HIV prevention and care.  This study investigated the preferences of men who have sex with men and are living with HIV (MSMLH) for taking part in computer or video-phone group-based (henceforth video-group) interventions. 

Methods: Participants were recruited at an urban clinic in the Southeast United States through provider referral and flyers.  Eligibility criteria included (1) positive HIV serostatus, (2) identifying as male, (3) has sex with men, and (4) at least 18 years old. Participants responded to a survey related to technology use and factors affecting willingness to participate in ehealth video-group interventions.  Data were coded by two trained research staff utilizing constructs of the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model and HIV-specific emerging codes. 

Results: Participants included 106 MSMLH currently in care. Participants indicated willingness to take part in a video-conferencing intervention delivered via computer (n = 78, 74%) or video-phone (n = 80, 75%), most commonly citing interest in innovation and perceived usefulness of the intervention as reasons for willingness to participate. Disinterest in participation was characterized by statements indicating insecurity and both technology and non-technology related discomfort. Over half of participants (65%) indicated willingness to participate in an ehealth video-group intervention from home, but indicated privacy-related concerns as the greatest deterrent to home participation. 

 Conclusions: Further exploration of ehealth video-group interventions among MSMLH is needed.  If such modalities are successful, they could be used to address a multitude of health concerns.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the preferences of MSM who are living with HIV for taking part in ehealth computer or video-group conferencing interventions. Identify reasons why home-based ehealth video-group interventions may not be well-suited for some MSM who are living with HIV.

Keyword(s): Technology, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student with a research focus in social behavioral HIV research. I have worked on several externally and internally funded grants focusing on leveraging technology to increase access to care for people living with HIV. I have taken both qualitative and quantitative methodology coursework, and HIV specific coursework. I hold a MPH.
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: 4325.0: Innovations in HIV Screening, Prevention, and Treatment