A Multicomponent Intervention (POSSIBLE) to Improve Perceived Risk for HIV Among Black Sexual Minority Men:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is critical for reducing HIV incidence among Black sexual minority men.
• Low perceived risk for HIV (PRH) is a significant barrier to PrEP adoption in this population.
• Multicomponent interventions integrating peer support and digital tools are under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary impact of the POSSIBLE intervention on PRH.
• To evaluate willingness to accept PrEP referrals among Black sexual minority men.
• To explore the combined use of a peer change agent (PCA) and the PrEPme app.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 69 Black sexual minority men in Baltimore, MD (2019-2021).
• Integration of a PCA with the PrEPme smartphone app for self-monitoring and health worker interaction.
• Assessment of PRH using an 8-item scale pre- and post-intervention; referral to PrEP services.

Main Results:

• High retention rate (80%) at 1-month follow-up.
• 42% of participants were willing to be referred for PrEP services, with 69% scheduling appointments.
• No statistically significant change in PRH was observed between baseline and follow-up (P=.17).

Conclusions:

• The POSSIBLE intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among participants.
• While PRH did not significantly improve, the intervention shows promise for engagement.
• Future research should focus on statistically powered, peer-based strategies to enhance PrEP initiation.