A randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong

Abstract

A randomized controlled study evaluated an Internet-based HIV behavioral intervention for men who have sex with men (MSM). Hong Kong Chinese men aged ≥18 having engaged in oral or anal MSM behaviors in the last six months were randomly allocated into the intervention (n=140) and the control groups (n=140). Participants were interviewed anonymously at the baseline and after six months. Interventions included periodic HIV information dissemination, monitoring of risk behaviors and interactive feedback, online peer counseling and provision of a hotline. The control group only received some educational materials. Efficacy of the intervention was not supported as no statistically significant between-group differences in background characteristics, HIV risk behaviors and perceptions were observed both at the baseline and after the 6-month period. Effectiveness of online interventions should not be taken for granted and evidence-based approach is warranted.

Keywords:

• men who have sex with men
• Internet
• intervention
• randomized controlled trial
• risk behavior
• Chinese

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all study participants. Thanks are extended to Paul C. M. Louey, the programme manager of AIDS Concern and his team members Edmond Aquila Yang, Tony Chun and Kain Ho. Thanks are extended to all others who had helped in the successful completion of the project. The project was supported by the Hong Kong Council for the AIDS Trust Fund.