From the Divisions of Health Behavior and Health Promotion.
Epidemiology, College of Public Health.
Sex Transm Dis. 2024 Dec 1;51(12):810-816. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000002059. Epub 2024 Jul 30.
In preparation for a prospective syphilis network study of sexual minority men, we conducted a mixed-methods formative study with the following objectives: ( a ) assess acceptability of respondent-driven sampling, ( b ) assess acceptability of study procedures, ( c ) social network seed selection, and ( d ) pilot an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study to assess social networking, sexual, and substance use behaviors.
We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 providers serving sexual minority men and 5 focus group discussions with 34 sexual minority men, prioritizing 4 target populations: (1) young Black sexual minority men, (2) on preexposure prophylaxis, (3) living with HIV, and (4) not engaged in care. The 4-week EMA pilot was conducted with 40 sexual minority men. Ecological momentary assessment survey responses were analyzed to evaluate how different compensation levels influenced response rates. Brief exit surveys were used to assess EMA app acceptability.
Primary themes identified through qualitative data collection: (1) importance of developing trust and maintaining confidentiality during proposed recruitment activities, (2) importance of compensating participants appropriately for study activities, and (3) cultural considerations for increasing visibility and participation of young Black sexual minority men. All EMA participants reported being "completely comfortable" reporting sexual behavior through the app. Most (78%) preferred the app to in-person interviews. Several participants identified technical issues with the app, including not receiving push notifications and spontaneous closure.
This mixed-methods formative study allowed for adjustments to and tailoring of the planned network study, including recruitment protocols, compensation type and amount, and EMA survey wording and response items.
在准备一项关于性少数群体男性的梅毒网络前瞻性研究时，我们进行了一项混合方法形成性研究，其目的如下：（a）评估反应者驱动抽样的可接受性，（b）评估研究程序的可接受性，（c）社交网络种子选择，以及（d）试点生态瞬时评估（EMA）研究，以评估社交网络、性和物质使用行为。
我们对 8 名服务于性少数群体男性的提供者进行了深入访谈，并对 34 名性少数群体男性进行了 5 次焦点小组讨论，重点关注 4 个人群：（1）年轻的黑人性少数群体男性，（2）正在使用暴露前预防，（3）感染了 HIV，（4）不参与治疗。对 40 名性少数群体男性进行了为期 4 周的 EMA 试点研究。对 EMA 调查的回复进行了分析，以评估不同的补偿水平如何影响回复率。简短的退出调查用于评估 EMA 应用程序的可接受性。
通过定性数据收集确定的主要主题：（1）在提出的招募活动中建立信任和保持机密性的重要性，（2）适当补偿参与者研究活动的重要性，以及（3）增加年轻黑人性少数群体男性可见度和参与度的文化考虑因素。所有 EMA 参与者都表示通过应用程序报告性行为“完全舒适”。大多数（78%）人更喜欢应用程序而不是面对面访谈。一些参与者指出了应用程序存在技术问题，包括未收到推送通知和意外关闭。
这项混合方法形成性研究允许对计划中的网络研究进行调整和定制，包括招募协议、补偿类型和金额，以及 EMA 调查措辞和回复项目。
