Abstract #229  -  Sexpulse: An Internet-based HIV prevention program for Men who use the Internet to seek Sex with Men
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr. B. R. Simon Rosser - University of Minnesota
Additional Authors:  Dr Joseph Konstan, Dr Simon Hooper, Dr Keith Horvath, Dr Gene Danilenko, Dr. Katherine Nygaard, Dr J. Michael Oakes,
Aim: Men who have sex with men remain the group at highest risk for HIV/AIDS in the US and similar countries. As the Internet becomes popular for seeking sex, online interventions to reduce sexual risk are critical.
Method / Issue: The Men's INTernet Study II (MINTS-II) is an NIMH-funded study developing and testing online interventions for Men who use the Internet to seek Sex with Men (MISM). In 2008, 587 MISM were randomized to an online, interactive sexual risk reduction intervention or to a waitlist null control.
Results / Comments: At 3-month follow-up, we observed a significant 20% reduction in reported unprotected anal intercourse male partners, last 90 days, among those in the treatment condition versus control. Among those not engaging in risk behavior at baseline, a slightly greater protective effect was also observed in the treatment condition. In contrast to prior trials of online interventions, retention was excellent over 12 months (81.8%).
Discussion: MINTS-II has demonstrated that rigorous trials can be conducted online and that Internet-based, persuasive computing programs appear to a promising new approach to HIV prevention. Future research is focused on strengthening the long-term behavioral risk reduction effects of Sexpulse.
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