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Recruiting substance-using men who have sex with men into HIV prevention research: current status and future
1Prevention Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892-9589, USA. jenkinsri@mail.nih.gov
Abstract:
Research investigators have identified increasing challenges to the recruitment of men who have sex with men (MSM) for observational and intervention HIV/AIDS studies. To address these issues, program staff from the National Institute on Drug Abuse convened a meeting on April 28th to 29th, 2009 to discuss issues in MSM recruitment. The panel indicated that there was decreased community identification with HIV research, although altruistic, community-oriented motives continued to be important. Substance use adds to recruitment challenges, particularly recruitment of MSM who use stigmatized substances. Relatively new recruitment methods such as respondent driven sampling, venue-data-time sampling, and internet sampling have helped advance knowledge about the recruitment process; however, they have not mitigated the challenges to MSM recruitment. Recruitment of youth and members of racial/ethnic minority populations present additional considerations. This report summarizes the meeting's proceedings, key points of discussion, and areas for further research consideration.
Insights
Recruiting men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV/AIDS studies faces challenges, including decreased community engagement and substance use. Novel recruitment methods have not fully resolved these issues, especially for youth and minority groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Recruitment of men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV/AIDS research is increasingly challenging.
- Decreased community identification with HIV research impacts participation.
- Substance use among MSM further complicates recruitment efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss and identify challenges in recruiting MSM for HIV/AIDS observational and intervention studies.
- To explore factors influencing MSM participation in HIV research.
- To identify areas for future research in MSM recruitment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Convened a panel meeting with program staff from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Discussed existing and emerging recruitment methods, including respondent-driven sampling, venue-data-time sampling, and internet sampling.
- Considered recruitment challenges related to substance use, youth, and racial/ethnic minority populations.
Main Results:
- Community identification with HIV research has decreased among MSM.
- Altruistic and community-oriented motives remain important for participation.
- Newer recruitment methods have not fully overcome persistent recruitment challenges.
- Recruiting MSM youth and those from racial/ethnic minority groups presents additional complexities.
Conclusions:
- Addressing recruitment barriers for MSM in HIV/AIDS studies requires multifaceted strategies.
- Further research is needed to develop effective and inclusive recruitment approaches.
- Understanding community dynamics and specific population needs is crucial for successful research participation.
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