Considerations for Online Recruitment of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in Geographical Areas Not Included in the NHBS Open Access
Sineath, Robert (2011)
Abstract
Background: Recently, surveillance of the HIV epidemic in
the U.S. has expanded. The
current behavioral surveillance system uses venue-based sampling
methodology and is
only inclusive of certain metropolitan statistical areas. With the
expansion of web-based
research, MSM may be more accessible for inclusion in surveillance
systems.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility,
usefulness, and cost effectiveness
of recruiting men online from states where data are not collected
as part of the National
HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) and determine if special
strategies are
needed to reach rural MSM.
Methods: Data on HIV risk behaviors, testing history, and
use of prevention services
were collected through an online survey targeted towards MSM over
18 years of age in
three states not included in the NHBS (Iowa, Minnesota, and South
Carolina).
Participant characteristics were modeled with three outcomes
(unprotected anal
intercourse (UAI) with most recent male sex partner, disclosure
male-male sex to a
provider, and having an HIV test in the past year) using logistic
regression. Cost per
completed interview was compared to cost for general US surveys of
MSM; usefulness
will be evaluated with a 6-month follow-up evaluation with
participating health
departments.
Results: A total of 516 men completed the survey. 206 (47%)
were from rural areas.
Rural men had decreased odds of disclosing male-male sex to their
provider (aOR=0.37).
Those who disclosed having sex with men to their provider had
increased odds of ever
testing for HIV (aOR=3.06) and receiving a hepatitis C test in the
past year (aOR=4.05).
73% of rural MSM and 65% of urban MSM engaged in UAI in the past
year. 89% of
participants (n=403) were white, non-Hispanic. The average cost per
completed survey
was $10.82 overall and was highest ($16.25) in South
Carolina.
Discussion: Rural MSM engaged in high-risk behavior and were
less likely to discuss
their sexual behaviors with a provider. These disparities
demonstrate the need to include
these areas in national surveillance systems to monitor trends in
behavior and assess
prevention efforts. The high cost of recruiting MSM from these
areas demonstrates the
need for developing and evaluating new online recruitment
methodology.
Table of Contents
LIST OF TABLES
i
INTRODUCTION
1
BACKGROUND
2
METHODS
9
RESULTS
15
DISCUSSION
20
REFERENCES
33
TABLES
40
APPENDIX A: Survey Instrument and State Questions
66
APPENDIX B: SAS Code
123
APPENDIX C: State Report -- Iowa
163
APPENDIX D: State Report - Minnesota
174
APPENDIX E: State Report - South Carolina
185
APPENDIX F: IRB Approval
196
APPENDIX G: Banner Advertisements
198
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