Funding Source and Project Period: HIV Center Pilot Studies Program, 2009-2010

Key Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Ana Ventuneac, Ph.D.

Project Overview:

Young, ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be at substantial risk of HIV infection. Because the HIV testing occasion may provide a critical window of
opportunity, especially for men who are worried about a possible recent exposure, and given that information technology tools offer an attractive avenue to reach young MSM, the goal of this study is to work collaboratively with community members and information technology( lT) specialists to design a peer-led, professionally monitored, culturally appropriate virtual support environment that young ethnic minority men could access after testing.

Our premise is that MSM who are anxious and worried about a recent possible HIV exposure can share their feelings with other worried MSM, support each other, and share strategies on ways to avoid future occurrences of sexual risk behavior. The online platform will be easily disseminated as a software application and adaptable for use by community-based organizations, including AIDS service organizations in providing support to young ethnic minority MSM who have repeatedly tested for HIV in their lifetime and who are worried about a recent possible exposure to HlV.

This pilot study will serve as the basis for the development of a future NIMH grant
application which will focus on designing and evaluating an online platform to encourage and support a decrease in sexual-risk behaviors among young, mainly ethnic minority MSM.