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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT02946164

Advancing HIV Prevention and Linkage to Care Among MSM With Gamification

This study is a pilot evaluation of 'Stick To It', a behavioral intervention based on the concept of gamification. The objective of the program is to encourage young men who have sex with men (MSM) to be regularly screened for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to adopt safer sexual behaviors, with the ultimate goal to decrease HIV and STI incidence. Gamification is the application of game elements, like points, badges, and rewards, to non-game settings.

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Key information

Conditions

HIV Infections Blood-Borne Infections Communicable Diseases Disease Attributes Genital Diseases Immune System Diseases Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes Infections Lentivirus Infections Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms RNA Virus Infections Retroviridae Infections Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral Urogenital Diseases Virus Diseases

Age range

18 year–26 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

AHF Hollywood Wellness Center, Los Angeles, California, United States

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About this study

The investigators will conduct a quasi-experimental pilot study of 'Stick To It', a prevention intervention that uses gamification principles and mechanics. The intervention includes an online timer that reminds men to get tested, online quizzes, and peer recruitment; these activities are awarded with points redeemable for chances at prizes at participating clinics. The intervention was designed based on findings from interviews with health staff and focus groups with young MSM, and with input from a gamification consultant. The primary hypothesis is that the intervention will increase repeat HIV/STI testing among young MSM. The intervention will be implemented at two STI clinics in Oakland and Los Angeles, California in 2-week intervals for six months. The investigators will review medical records of exposed and unexposed young MSM attending the same STI clinics to compare uptake of quarterly HIV testing and self-reported behavior after six months.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 18-26 years of age
  • male
  • self-identify as gay / bisexual / queer
  • willing and able to provide informed consent to join the Stick To It program
  • resident in one of several zip code areas surrounding the clinic

Exclusion criteria

  • Not a resident of one of included zip code areas

Treatment and study plan

Stick To It

Behavioral

The intervention is a prize system linked to points earned through online and real-world activities designed to incentivize young MSM to test for HIV and STIs every three months. Participants receive points for pre-determined activities, such as: answering online quizzes, inviting friends to participate, and getting tested for HIV/STIs. Points are redeemable in person at two AIDS Healthcare Foundation Men's Wellness Centers, where participants will be able to exchange their points for gumballs from a gumball machine; different color combinations of gumballs correspond to prizes of different values. Participants are reminded to get tested regularly via SMS messages; in addition, they can check when their next test is due by checking their testing timer on the stick2it.org website.

Primary outcomes

  1. Repeat HIV Testing

    Time frame: 6 months

    The number of men in the intervention who receive ≥1 additional HIV tests over 6 months of follow-up

Secondary outcomes

  1. HIV-related risk behavior

    Time frame: 6 months

    We will determine the number of reported sex partners, the prevalence and frequency of unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of opposite or unknown status in the past 6 months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of California, Berkeley

Other

Collaborators

  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • University of California, Los Angeles

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Oct 27, 2016
Registry last updated
Feb 22, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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