Internet based HIV prevention research targeting rural MSM: feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• HIV Prevention

Background:

• Internet-delivered interventions for HIV risk reduction face challenges in behavior change and engagement.
• Existing online programs often fail to leverage internet capabilities or lack rigorous evaluation.
• Rural men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a population with specific needs for accessible HIV prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an internet-delivered HIV risk reduction program.
• To assess the impact of online modules on knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills for HIV prevention.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in promoting safer sexual practices among rural MSM.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment and intervention delivery were conducted entirely online.
• Participants (N=475) were randomized to different module orders.
• Data collected via online questionnaires at pre-test and post-module, utilizing the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills model.

Main Results:

• The program demonstrated feasibility and acceptability with high retention and completion rates.
• Significant increases in HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and motivation were observed.
• Post-intervention, participants showed reduced unprotected anal sex and increased condom use.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based interventions are a feasible and effective method for HIV risk reduction among rural MSM.
• The study supports the use of online platforms for delivering and evaluating HIV prevention programs.
• Findings highlight the potential of digital health to improve public health outcomes in targeted populations.