Effect of a Popular Web Drama Video Series on HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Singapore: Community-Based, Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial

Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology-Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review

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.

Mapping the Terrain: A Systematic Review of Drama Research Using Data Mining

Drama is a mode of storytelling that has transcended from traditional to online media. This study aimed to determine salient topics and trends in drama research through data mining of peer-reviewed English articles in Web of Science and Scopus. By employing the keywords “television drama,” “online drama,” “drama series,” “web drama,” and “soap opera,” 2,148 articles were identified. Analysis revealed 25 distinct research topics: evolution, issues and analysis, impact, audience, and institutionalization. Prominent topics included “power and politics,” “viewership and engagement,” and “gender and sexuality,” while less-published topics encompassed “elements and structure,” “impact on culture,” and “drama characterization.” Notably, publication rates for all topics exhibited a significant increase since 1970. These findings underscore the need for continuous research updates across various categories to advance understanding of the interplay between society and dramas. The methodology employed can also guide future trend analyses in specific drama research topics.

Mapping Online Community Spaces Through Online Focus Group Discussions Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Guangdong, China: Implications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Services

BACKGROUND

Chinese gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face discrimination in many facility-based health services, thus increasing the importance of online engagement. The purpose of this study was to examine online GBMSM community spaces and implications for HIV/sexually transmitted disease prevention services.

METHODS

We conducted a total of 6 online focus group discussions with Chinese GBMSM from Guangdong province on the chat-based platform WeChat in 2021. Focus group discussions were asynchronous, and participants were able to provide and map out online spaces that they had participated in and share their perspectives on online engagement. Data were analyzed through framework analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 48 participants participated. Most were mainly sexually attracted to men (n = 43; 90.0%) and never participated in in-person LGBTQ-related events (n = 29; 60.4%). Participants articulated a typology of online spaces along the axes of whether such spaces were Chinese platforms (vs. non-Chinese) or whether they were GBMSM-specific (vs. non-GBMSM-specific). Participants articulated several advantages of online spaces, including greater anonymity, opportunities for community building, sharing of sexual health information, and being able to meet other GBMSM more efficiently. Drawbacks included the lack of personal connection, lack of safety measures for youth, encountering deception and the use of fake profile pictures, and needing a virtual proxy network to access some websites. Participants provided suggestions to further improve their experiences of online spaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Although broad-based, GBMSM-specific messaging can be implemented in Chinese, GBMSM-specific spaces, sexual health messaging may also reach niche GBMSM communities in a variety of non-GBMSM spaces.

Digital knowledge translation tools for sexual and reproductive health information to adolescents: an evidence gap-map

Background

Digital knowledge translation (KT) interventions play a crucial role in advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). Despite the extensive literature on their effectiveness, there's a lack of synthesized evidence on the efficacy of digital KT tools for adolescent ASRH globally.

Objectives

This review aimed to systematically identify and map existing empirical evidence on digital KT tools targeting ASRH outcomes and identify research gaps.

Design

The review employed an evidence gap-map (EGM) approach following 2020 PRISMA reporting guidelines.

Data sources and methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane. Covidence software was used for data management. EPPI-Mapper software was used to synthesize findings and develop a graphical EGM.

Results

The EGM comprises 68 studies: 59 experimental and 9 systematic reviews, predominantly from African (19 studies) and American regions (22 studies), with limited research from the Eastern Mediterranean and South East Asian regions. It examines digital KT tools' influence on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, identifying research gaps. Websites are extensively studied for their impact on adolescent behavior, knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy, yet research on their effects on ASRH and health services access is limited. Similarly, mobile apps and short message service (SMS)/text messages impact various aspects of SRH outcomes, but research on their effects on health services utilization is insufficient. Interventions like digital pamphlets and gaming lack exploration in health service access. OTT media and social media need further investigation. Mass media, including radio, television, and podcasts, are largely unexplored in adolescent SRH outcomes. Topics such as menstrual hygiene, abortion, and sexual and intimate partner violence also lack research.

Conclusion

The review underscores the dominance of certain KT tool interventions like SMS and websites. Despite advancements, research gaps persist in exploring diverse digital platforms on underrepresented outcomes globally. Future research should expand exploration across digital platforms and broaden the scope of outcome measures.

Trial registration

The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022373970).

Advances and challenges in sexually transmitted infections prevention among men who have sex with men in Asia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recently published research on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia, covering four main areas: prevalence and consequences of STIs/STDs, factors associated with STI risk, strategies and measures of STI prevention, challenges in the prevention of SITs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies show that STIs among Asian MSM are still prevalent, with the prevalence of STIs varying slightly from country to country. In addition to the number of sexual partners, frequency of condom use, high-risk sexual behaviors, the influence of Confucianism, law, and COVID-19 are also related to STI risk. Social stigma, weak health systems, lack of funding and policy support are the current challenges for STIs prevention.

SUMMARY

In the future, new media technologies are encouraged to be used to enhance education and reduce stigma and discrimination against MSM and STIs. Expanding STI screening, strengthening STI knowledge propaganda and education among MSM population, and providing necessary counseling and medical services are main strategies in STI prevention. It is also important to strengthen STI awareness and policy support at the national level.