SEXUAL RISK IN THE CONTEXT OF SAME-SEX BEHAVIOR

Grant Title: Rapid HIV Home Tests and Sexual Decision-Making among HIV-Negative MSM

Funding Source and Period: HIV Center Pilot Studies Program; 2007-2008

HIV Center Key Personnel

Investigator: Ana Ventuneac, Ph.D.
Mentor: Alex Carballo-Dieguez, Ph.D.

Project Overview
(from abstract of research plan)

The US Food and Drug Administration is considering the approval of the over-the-counter sale of a rapid HIV test, the OraQuick® ADVANCE™ Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, produced by OraSure Technologies Inc., that could be self-administered in the privacy of one's own home. This new technology could be used by HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) to screen sexual partners, identify their HIV status, and decide whether to abstain from sex, have sex with condoms, or have sex unprotected. Focusing on ethnically diverse HIV-uninfected men who have unprotected anal intercourse with non-exclusive male partners in the prior six months, the goal of this project is to study MSM's attitudes about the possible use of a rapid HIV home test as a tool for decision-making about sexual behavior. We will conduct individual in-depth interviews of 20 HIV uninfected MSM to examine: 1. motivation (or lack of motivation) to use a rapid HIV home test as a screening tool prior to sexual intercourse; 2. anticipated strategies (or hindrances) to use and have a partner use a rapid for testing prior to sexual intercourse; and 3. anticipated ways (or problems) of handling test results. Participants will be given the option to use an OraQuick test kit to test their oral fluid for HIV antibodies in front of the interviewer. This pilot is being proposed to show feasibility prior to the resubmission of a grant application to NIMH (R01 MH079692, Rapid HIV Home Test and Decision-Making among HIV-Negative Men).

Update: 5/17/07