Considerations for Online Recruitment of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in Geographical Areas Not Included in the NHBS Público

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

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Global Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Palabra Clave	HIV Rural MSM
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Sullivan, Patrick S, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

Última modificación

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	Considerations for Online Recruitment of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in Geographical Areas Not Included in the NHBS ()	2018-08-28 12:46:16 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions