Abstract
Text-messaging interventions present a novel approach for targeting high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) who may not
respond to or may be difficult to reach for face-to-face or site-based interventions. Project Tech Support (N = 52) was an open label pilot study testing the feasibility and utility of a text-messaging intervention to reduce methamphetamine
use and high-risk sexual behaviors among out-of-treatment MSM. Participants in the two-week intervention received social support
and health education text messages transmitted in real-time. At follow-up, there were significant decreases in frequency of
methamphetamine use and unprotected sex while on methamphetamine (both p < 0.01), and a significant increase in self-reported abstinence from methamphetamine use (13.3 % vs. 48.9 %; p < 0.001). Additionally, participants reported reductions of unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners (p < 0.01); with HIV-negative partners, participants reported fewer insertive and receptive episodes (both p < 0.05). Findings demonstrate that text messaging is a promising intervention for reaching and potentially changing HIV high-risk
behaviors among out-of-treatment, methamphetamine-using MSM.
respond to or may be difficult to reach for face-to-face or site-based interventions. Project Tech Support (N = 52) was an open label pilot study testing the feasibility and utility of a text-messaging intervention to reduce methamphetamine
use and high-risk sexual behaviors among out-of-treatment MSM. Participants in the two-week intervention received social support
and health education text messages transmitted in real-time. At follow-up, there were significant decreases in frequency of
methamphetamine use and unprotected sex while on methamphetamine (both p < 0.01), and a significant increase in self-reported abstinence from methamphetamine use (13.3 % vs. 48.9 %; p < 0.001). Additionally, participants reported reductions of unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners (p < 0.01); with HIV-negative partners, participants reported fewer insertive and receptive episodes (both p < 0.05). Findings demonstrate that text messaging is a promising intervention for reaching and potentially changing HIV high-risk
behaviors among out-of-treatment, methamphetamine-using MSM.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0200-7
- Authors
- Cathy J. Reback, Friends Research Institute, Inc., 1419 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
- Deborah Ling Grant, Friends Research Institute, Inc., 1419 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
- Jesse B. Fletcher, Friends Research Institute, Inc., 1419 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
- Catherine M. Branson, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Steven Shoptaw, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jane Rohde Bowers, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Mahnaz Charania, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gordon Mansergh, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165