uTECH: Machine Learning for HIV Prevention Among Substance Using GBMSM

a study on Sexually Transmitted Infections HIV/AIDS Implementation Science Substance Abuse MSM

Summary

Eligibility
for males ages 18 years and up (full criteria)
Healthy Volunteers
healthy people welcome
Location
at UCLA
Dates
study started
estimated completion
Principal Investigator
by Ian Holloway (ucla)

Description

Summary

This project seeks to develop and test the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of uTECH, a novel social media "big data" machine learning intervention for HIV-negative substance using GBMSM that aims to reduce HIV transmission risk by integrating biomedical and behavioral risk reduction strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and medication assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use harm reduction

Details

The project will occur in two phases. In Phase 1, we will conduct qualitative interviews with gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) using an iterative user-centered design process, which will result in a refined version of the uTECH intervention. In Phase 2, we will conduct a comparative acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility trial with 330 individuals, who will be randomized to receive the uTECH intervention or an existing, evidence-based motivational enhancement intervention for HIV risk and substance use prevention (Young Men's Health Project). uTECH is innovative in that it includes both core intervention modules and highly personalized intervention content based on participants' social media use. The tailored intervention content can be delivered via text message or Facebook messenger. This content relies on our previously developed machine learning algorithm, which helps participants understand their technology-use behavior in relation to HIV-risk and substance use.

Keywords

Sexually Transmitted Diseases HIV Infections Implementation Science Substance Use MSM Sexual and gender minorities Social media HIV prevention uTECH YMHP

Eligibility

You can join if…

Open to males ages 18 years and up

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Current gender identity as man or transgender man
  • Have had anal and/or oral sex with a man in the past 3 months
  • Use an illicit substance (such as methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy) in the past 3 months
  • Have had sex while using any substance in the past 3 months
  • Use a gay-specific social media/networking/dating app in the past 3 months to seek sexual and drug use partners
  • Willing to participate in audio-recorded interviews over Zoom
  • Comfortable answering questions in English
  • Use an Android phone
  • Negative or Unsure about HIV status
  • Comfortable with downloading an app that captures a variety of text-based information from their phone over the course of 12-months
  • Currently living and/or sleeping in Los Angeles County
  • Willing to participate in this study.

You CAN'T join if...

  • Under 18 years of age
  • Does not currently identify as a man or transgender man
  • Have not had anal and/or oral sex with a man in the past 3 months
  • Have not used an illicit substance (such as methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy) in the past 3 months
  • Have not had sex while using any substance in the past 3 months
  • Have not used a gay-specific social media/networking/dating app in the past 3 months to seek sexual and drug use partners
  • Are not willing to participate in audio-recorded interviews over Zoom
  • Do not feel comfortable answering questions in English
  • Do not use an Android phone
  • HIV status is positive
  • Do not feel comfortable with downloading an app that captures a variety of text-based information from their phone over the course of 12-months
  • Are not currently living and/or sleeping in Los Angeles County
  • Am not willing to participate in this study.

Location

  • UCLA accepting new patients
    Los Angeles California 90095 United States

Lead Scientist at UC Health

Details

Status
accepting new patients
Start Date
Completion Date
(estimated)
Sponsor
University of California, Los Angeles
ID
NCT04710901
Study Type
Interventional
Last Updated