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Ahmadnia E, Haseli A, Davoudian A, Abbasi M. Adolescents' Sexual Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review. Health Sci Rep 2025; 8:e70774. [PMID: 40309618 PMCID: PMC12040736 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2025] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted adolescents' access to sexual health services, resulting in a decline in their overall sexual well-being. This systematic review explored adolescent sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A systematic review of quantitative studies-including observational research, clinical trials, and quasi-experimental interventions-examined English-language articles published between January 2020 and February 10, 2025, sourced from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies, Cochrane RoB 2 for clinical trials, and ROBINS-1 for quasi-experimental designs. Due to the heterogeneity of the data. Results After identifying 781 articles, 10 studies with a total sample size of 636,873 participants were included in the final systematic review. Observational studies during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed diminished access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, greater dependence on informal information sources, widening health inequalities, and negative impacts on adolescent sexual behavior. Intervention studies on online SRH education demonstrate significant positive impacts across key areas: access to SRH services, safe sex practices, communication with parents about sexual health, lower acceptance of dating violence, normative beliefs regarding adolescent sexuality, HIV/STI awareness, and condom use. The findings emphasize notable improvements in communication, knowledge, and attitudes toward sexual health, driven by these targeted interventions. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted adolescent SRH globally, reducing service access and amplifying inequities. While some behaviors (e.g., sexual activity) showed resilience, systemic gaps in education and healthcare persist. Multisectoral efforts are needed to ensure adolescents' SRH rights are upheld during crises. However, the interventional studies underscore the viability of digital, media-literate interventions in improving adolescent sexual health. Trial Registration The review study was officially registered on the PROSPERO website on 02/08/2023 under the code CRD42023438631 and received approval from the jury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Ahmadnia
- Department of MidwiferySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Arezoo Haseli
- Family Health and Population Growth Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Research InstituteKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Atefeh Davoudian
- Deputy of Research and TechnologyZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Mina Abbasi
- Department of MidwiferySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
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Mo PKH, Xie L, Lee TC, Li AYC. Use of Behavior Change Techniques in Digital HIV Prevention Programs for Adolescents and Young People: Systematic Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2025; 11:e59519. [PMID: 40293783 PMCID: PMC12070010 DOI: 10.2196/59519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV infections have caused severe public health and economic burdens to the world. Adolescents and young people continue to constitute a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Digital health interventions have been increasingly used to prevent the rising HIV epidemic. Behavior change techniques (BCTs) are intervention components designed to modify the underlying processes that regulate behavior. The BCT taxonomy offers a systematic approach to identifying, extracting, and coding these components, providing valuable insights into effective intervention strategies. However, few reviews have comprehensively identified the use of BCTs in digital HIV interventions among adolescents and young people. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the commonly used BCTs in effective digital HIV prevention programs targeting adolescents and young people. METHODS In total, 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO) were searched, and studies from January 2008 to November 2024 were screened. Reference lists of relevant review studies were reviewed to identify any additional sources. Eligible randomized controlled trials with 1 of 3 HIV prevention outcomes (ie, HIV knowledge, condom-use self-efficacy, and condom use) were included. Basic study characteristics, intervention strategies, and study results were extracted and compared for data analysis. For the included interventions, BCTs were identified according to the BCT taxonomy proposed by Abraham and Michie in 2008, and the frequencies of BCTs used in these interventions were counted. RESULTS Searches yielded 383 studies after duplicates were removed, with 34 (8.9%) publications finally included in this review. The most frequently used BCTs included prompting intention formation (34/34, 100%), providing information about behavior-health link (33/34, 97%), providing information on consequences (33/34, 97%), and providing instruction (33/34, 97%). Interventions with significant improvements in HIV knowledge (11/34, 32%) more frequently used BCTs with a provision nature, such as providing information about behavior-health link (11/11, 100%), information on consequences (11/11, 100%), encouragement (10/11, 91%), and instruction (10/11, 91%). Those with significant increases in condom-use self-efficacy (7/34, 20%) used BCTs toward initiating actions, such as prompts for intention formation (7/7, 100%), barrier identification (7/7, 100%), and practice (5/7, 71%). In addition, studies showing significant improvements in condom use (14/34, 41%) included BCTs focused not only on provision and initiation but also on behavioral management and maintenance, such as use follow-up prompts (5/14, 36%), relapse prevention (4/14, 29%), prompt self-monitoring of behavior (3/14, 21%), and prompt review of behavioral goals (3/14, 21%). CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review that examined the use of BCTs in digital HIV prevention interventions for adolescents and young adults. The identified BCTs offer important reference for developing more effective digital interventions, with implications for enhancing their HIV knowledge, condom-use self-efficacy, and condom use in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoenix Kit-Han Mo
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Luyao Xie
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Tsz Ching Lee
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Angela Yuen Chun Li
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
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Huang H, Xie M, Yang Z, Wang A. Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology-Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2025; 27:e57363. [PMID: 39805101 PMCID: PMC11773289 DOI: 10.2196/57363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 12/01/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/AIDS remains a significant global challenge, and with the rapid advancement of technology, there has been an increasing number of interventions aimed at improving HIV/AIDS cognition and self-management behaviors among patients. However, there is still a lack of detailed literature integrating relevant evidence. OBJECTIVE This study aims to comprehensively review existing research on interventions using modern information methods to improve HIV/AIDS cognition and enhance self-management behaviors among patients. It systematically reports the theoretical frameworks and specific intervention strategies used in current research, providing a comprehensive overview of the development status of relevant studies. We aim to compile existing evidence through this scoping review to identify potential avenues for future research. METHODS We followed the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for the synthesis and reporting of evidence. Relevant literature was searched using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. The time frame for inclusion was from 2018 to December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) interventions using modern information technology or new digital media, (2) studies focusing on improving HIV awareness or self-management behaviors among people living with HIV, (3) intervention studies or evaluations of intervention effects, and (4) studies published within the last five years. Two reviewers (HH and MX) independently assessed each study at both the title and abstract screening stage and the full-text review stage, resolving any disagreements through discussion. RESULTS A total of 55 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Information Systems Research Framework are among the most commonly used theoretical frameworks. Modern information technology interventions are mainly constructed using smartphone apps, SMS text messaging, internet-based platforms, audiovisual materials, and digital health education platforms, with smartphone apps and SMS text messaging being the most widely used intervention media. CONCLUSIONS Modern information technology is becoming an important tool for health interventions among people living with HIV/AIDS. However, future research should focus on integrating theoretical framework guidance with intervention design, further exploring the diversity of intervention implementations, the applicability of different technological methods, their long-term effects, and how to more effectively combine traditional intervention strategies to maximize intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - MeiLian Xie
- Capital Medical University, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - AiPing Wang
- First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ratnawati D, Huda MH, Mukminin MA, Widyatuti W, Setiawan A. Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of educational programs about HIV prevention on knowledge, attitude, and behavior among adolescents. NARRA J 2024; 4:e870. [PMID: 39280293 PMCID: PMC11391990 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents is on the rise due to a lack of comprehensive knowledge, leading to suboptimal attitudes and behaviors, which emphasizes the critical need for targeted interventions. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions for HIV prevention among adolescents by assessing their impact on knowledge, attitude, and behavior. A systematic review of seven databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, JSTOR, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCO were identified, and 14 eligible randomized controlled trials published until June 2023 were included. Two independent authors assessed quality appraisal using the Risk of Bias 2.0. Outcomes were measured using the standard mean difference (SMD) with random effects model and a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore heterogeneity. The results showed significant improvements in participants' knowledge (SMD: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.78-1.49), behavior intentions (SMD: 1.22, 95%CI: 0.37-2.07), and attitude (SMD: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.02-0.95) after receiving HIV prevention education programs. Interventions grounded in theoretical principles and incorporating technology, group settings, and audio-visual aids were found to be effective in enhancing knowledge of HIV prevention and promoting behavioral intentions. Peer-led education positively impacted both knowledge and attitude. Moreover, excluding parents from these programs was identified as a crucial factor in improving adolescents' knowledge of HIV prevention. In conclusion, educational programs focused on HIV effectively enhance adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among adolescents. Professionals planning interventions should consider these impactful components in designing comprehensive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diah Ratnawati
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
- Faculy of Health Sciences, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Mega H. Huda
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
- Research Center for Preclinical and Clinical Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad A. Mukminin
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Agus Setiawan
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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5
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Perry NS, Nelson KM. Mental Health Care Use among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males Before and During COVID-19. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2024; 11:353-360. [PMID: 39268245 PMCID: PMC11390097 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent (cisgender) sexual minority males (ASMM) face multiple mental health disparities. Yet surprisingly little is known about use of mental health care among ASMM. The current study examined mental health care use among ASMM, both lifetime use and during the COVID-19 pandemic. ASMM (N=154, ages 14-17 years) enrolled in Spring 2020 for a pilot randomized controlled trial of an online sexual health intervention. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Participants reported lifetime (at baseline) and recent (at follow-up) mental health care use. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed at both timepoints. Differences in care use by sociodemographics, healthcare access, and mental health symptoms were established. More than half of participants reported clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms at baseline and at follow-up. Of those youth, fifty-three percent reported lifetime mental health care use, while only 28% reported recent care at follow-up. Being out to an accepting guardian (aOR=4.0, 95% CI: 1.9-8.4), having a primary care physician (aOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.0-6.7), and having clinically significant symptoms (aOR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.5-6.5) were each independently associated with a greater odds of having received lifetime mental health care. Findings indicate that many ASMM in the sample received mental health care in their lifetimes. However, more participants endorsed clinically significant anxiety/depressive symptoms than received care at both timepoints. This disparity was even more pronounced approximately five months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Research and practice efforts must reduce care barriers and augment facilitators for all ASMM, with particular urgency during COVID-19 and its aftermath.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine
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Choi SK, Muessig KE, Hightow-Weidman LB, Bauermeister JA. Paradata: Measuring Engagement in Digital HIV Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minorities. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:487-501. [PMID: 37930613 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00679-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review was to examine online engagement using paradata (i.e., intervention usage metrics) as part of the reporting of online behavioral HIV prevention and care interventions' findings. We underscore the importance of these data in examining intervention engagement and effectiveness. RECENT FINDINGS We focused on studies indexed in PubMed and published between April 1, 2017, and June 30, 2023, that reported the development and testing of online behavioral interventions for HIV prevention and/or care. Of the 689 extracted citations, 19 met the study criteria and provided engagement data - only six studies tested the association between engagement and intervention outcomes. Of these, four studies found a positive association between participants' engagement and improvements in HIV-related outcomes. Increasing attention is being paid to the collection and reporting of paradata within HIV online behavioral interventions. While the current evidence suggests a dose-response relationship due to user engagement on HIV outcomes, greater efforts to systematically collect, report, and analyze paradata are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 402, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Institute On Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute On Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 402, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Yang M, Li C, Zou K, Liang Y, Zhang R, Tang K. "They have their own people": Emotional connections, community belonging, and Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) college students' needs for sexual health support. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291550. [PMID: 37729385 PMCID: PMC10511125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) college students in China have unique sexual health challenges, including a higher risk of HIV infection, stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) population, and limited access to LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health support. Nonetheless, previous research or policymaking has rarely addressed the students' needs for sexual health support from their perspectives. This study aims to explore GBMSM college students' perceptions and attitudes to current sexual health resources, the challenges they encounter, and their expectations to acquiring LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health information and services. The exploration was carried out through field visits and in-depth interviews with 26 GBMSM college students and eight relevant stakeholders in five cities in China. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts and fieldwork memos. Four themes emerged around the preference and needs of GBMSM students in dealing with their sexual health challenges: the association between tackling sexual health challenges and entering LGBTQ communities, the roles of emotional attachment in shaping the preference for HIV-related care and support, the desired modes of acquiring sexual health support, and the current unmet service needs. We discovered that the information-and-care-seeking behaviors of GBMSM college students are highly influenced by and connected to their participation in online and in-person LGBTQ communities. Due to the overall stigmatizing sociocultural environment of LGBTQ in China, GBMSM college students tend to rely on LGBTQ communities, seeking trust and a sense of belongingness for tackling their sexual health challenges. Conventional school-based sexual health educational programs, which often apply top-down, stigma-and-fear-based, and non-LGBTQ-inclusive teaching strategies, rarely help GBMSM college students to solve sexual health problems in real life. GBMSM college students are eager to have LGBTQ-affirmative "health managers" who can understand their emotional experiences and interpersonal contexts and assist them with sexual health issues. However, such support is generally perceived as limited by the students. Our study highlights these unmet needs of the GBMSM students and emphasizes the importance of developing future LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health programs among Chinese GBMSM college students and young GBMSM in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chunyan Li
- Tokyo College, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Kaiyue Zou
- Epidemiology Department, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yun Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Rudong Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Rothman EF, Campbell JK, Rahimian AN, Frieson TM, Moslander DE, Richardson VE, Nelson KM. 'My sex ed teacher was extremely averse to talking about sex': Massachusetts students' experiences with and recommendations for sex education. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION 2023; 19:265-279. [PMID: 39391366 PMCID: PMC11463728 DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2023.2243807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
This qualitative interview study investigated the opinions of 28 high school-attending youth in Massachusetts related to the content of their sexuality education, what they wished they could learn from a sex education class, and whether and how pornography was addressed. Participants felt that the sex education they received was not in-depth and did not provide them with the information they needed. Further, participants indicated that their instructors were not engaging, approachable, or credible sources of sex-related information. There was strong support for including healthy relationships education as part of sex education, and including multiple subtopics related to pornography (e.g., body image and pornography, compulsive pornography use, misogyny and pornography). Although there was no clear consensus on whether the ideal modality for delivering sex education is in-person or self-delivered, there was enthusiasm for the 'gamification' of sex education content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Rothman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
- Department of Occupational Therapy, 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Julia K. Campbell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Arianna N. Rahimian
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
| | - Tomeka M. Frieson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
| | | | | | - Kimberly M. Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118
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Gamarel KE, Darbes LA, Wall KM, Jones J, Washington C, Rosso M, Felder Claude K, Hightow-Weidman LB, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. A Relationship-Focused HIV Prevention Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men in the United States: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the We Prevent Intervention. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2703-2719. [PMID: 36781618 PMCID: PMC9924851 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
We Prevent is a virtual counseling intervention designed to improve communication as a mechanism for reducing HIV risk among young sexual minority men (SMM) in relationships. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of We Prevent in comparison to standard Counseling, Testing, and Referral among a national sample of 318 SMM ages 15-24 in a pilot randomized control trial. We found significant differences in condomless sex with outside partners; however, there were no differences in other sexual behaviors, sexual agreements, intimate partner violence (IPV), or communication between the conditions across the 9-month follow-ups. Stratified analyses found non-significant trends suggestive that We Prevent may reduce condomless sex for those ages 15-17 and for relationships over 1-year and may reduce IPV in relationships over 1-year. Though study retention was adequate, session attendance was low. Exit interviews participants reported benefits of We Prevent and provided insights into how to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catherine Washington
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Rosso
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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10
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Lepage S, Conway A, Goodson N, Wicks P, Flight L, Devane D. Online randomised trials with children: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280965. [PMID: 37228143 PMCID: PMC10212186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric trials must contend with many challenges that adult trials face but often bring additional obstacles. Decentralised trials, where some or all trial methods occur away from a centralised location, are a promising strategy to help meet these challenges. This scoping review aims to (a) identify what methods and tools have been used to create and conduct entirely online-decentralised trials with children and (b) determine the gaps in the knowledge in this field. This review will describe the methods used in these trials to identify their facilitators and the gaps in the knowledge. METHODS The methods were informed by guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We systematically searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Embase databases, trial registries, pre-print servers, and the internet. We included randomised and quasi-randomised trials conducted entirely online with participants under 18 published in English. A risk of bias assessment was completed for all included studies. RESULTS Twenty-one trials met our inclusion criteria. The average age of participants was 14.6 years. Social media was the most common method of online recruitment. Most trials employed an external host website to store and protect their data. Duration of trials ranged from single-session interventions up to ten weeks. Fourteen trials compensated participants. Eight trials involved children in their trial design process; none reported compensation for this. Most trials had a low risk of bias in "random sequence generation", "selective reporting", and "other". Most trials had a high risk of bias in "blinding participants and personnel", "blinding of outcome assessment", and "incomplete outcome data". "Allocation concealment" was unclear in most studies. CONCLUSIONS There was a lack of transparent reporting of the recruitment, randomisation, and retention methods used in many of the trials included in this review. Patient and public involvement (PPI) was not common, and the compensation of PPI partners was not reported in any study. Consent methods and protection against fraudulent entries to trials were creative and thoroughly discussed by some trials and not addressed by others. More work and thorough reporting of how these trials are conducted is needed to increase their reproducibility and quality. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was not necessary since all data sources used are publicly available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lepage
- Health Research Board–Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Aislinn Conway
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Noah Goodson
- Data & Analytics, Thread Research, Tustin, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Wicks
- Wicks Digital Health, Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Flight
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Declan Devane
- Health Research Board–Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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11
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Stout CD, Paredes CD, Nelson KM. "I wish I actually had known what the heck sex was:" What adolescent sexual minority males knew and wish they knew prior to sexual debut with a male partner. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023; 20:84-93. [PMID: 36873566 PMCID: PMC9977109 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the sexual health needs of adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) at the time of sexual debut will inform programs seeking to decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM. Methods In 2020, sexually active, cisgender ASMM (n=102, age 14-17) in the United States completed the baseline assessment of an online sexual health intervention pilot trial. Participants responded to closed- and open-ended questions about their sexual debut with a male partner, including sexual behavior, skills and knowledge they knew and wish they knew at the time of their debut, and sources of said skills and knowledge. Results On average, participants were 14.5 years old (SD=1.4) at their debut. Participants reported knowing how to say no to sex (80%) and wishing they knew how to talk with partners about what they would (50%) and would not (52%) like to do sexually. Open-ended responses indicated that participants desired sexual communication skills at sexual debut. Personal research (67%) was the most common knowledge source prior to debut, and open-ended responses suggest that Google, pornography, and social media were the most frequently used websites and phone applications to find information about sex. Conclusions Results suggest sexual health programs for ASMM should occur prior to sexual debut, teach sexual communication skills, and teach media literacy skills to help youth deduce credible sexual health resources. Policy Implications Incorporating the sexual health needs and wants of ASMM into sexual health programs will likely improve acceptability and efficacy, and ultimately decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire D Stout
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian D Paredes
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Haupt KR, Stout CD, Simmons J, Nelson KM. Differences in the sexual health information parents/guardians give their adolescent sexual minority sons by outness. JOURNAL OF LGBT YOUTH 2023; 21:132-149. [PMID: 38434757 PMCID: PMC10906741 DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2023.2176399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Parents and guardians are a potentially valuable source of sexual health information for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). The current study examines what sexual health topics ASMM report discussing with a parent/guardian and whether topics differ by outness about sexual attraction to other males. Methods ASMM (N=154; ages 14-17) in the United States completed the baseline of an online sexual health intervention pilot in 2020. They reported which of twelve sexual health topics they discussed with a parent/guardian and if they had disclosed their sexual attraction to other males. Associations between topics discussed and outness to a parent/guardian were examined with Firth logistic regression. Results Eighty-eight (57%) participants reported being out to a parent/guardian. Six sexual health topics were significantly more likely to be discussed if participants were out. The three categories with the largest differences by outness were how to: discuss with a partner what they would not like to do sexually (aOR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.0-24.6), use condoms (aOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.3-15.1), and prevent HIV/AIDS (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.4-8.7). Conclusions Interventions on parental/guardian provision of sexual health information are needed to ensure ASMM receive relevant sexual health knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Haupt
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire D Stout
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Journey Simmons
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Mustanski B, Saber R, Macapagal K, Matson M, Laber E, Rodrgiuez-Diaz C, Moran KO, Carrion A, Moskowitz DA, Newcomb ME. Effectiveness of the SMART Sex Ed program among 13-18 year old English and Spanish speaking adolescent men who have sex with men. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:733-744. [PMID: 35951143 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high HIV incidence and low utilization of testing and prevention services. However, very few HIV prevention programs exist that focus on the unique sexual health needs of AMSM. SMART is a stepped care package of eHealth interventions that comprehensively address the sexual and HIV prevention needs of AMSM. This study examines the impact of the first step of SMART, "SMART Sex Ed," on 13- to 18-year-old AMSM (n = 983) from baseline to three-month follow-up across 18 separate outcomes measuring HIV prevention attitudes, skills, and behaviors. We observed significant change from baseline to three-month post-intervention in nine HIV-related outcomes (e.g., receipt of HIV and STI test, HIV knowledge), as well as largely consistent effects across demographic subgroups (e.g., race, age, rural, low SES). Analyses observed no effects on condom use behaviors. SMART Sex Ed shows promise as an effective sexual health education program for diverse AMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rana Saber
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maggie Matson
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric Laber
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Carlos Rodrgiuez-Diaz
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin O Moran
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andres Carrion
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Moskowitz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division , Chicago, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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