title: Text messaging reduces HIV risk behaviors among methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men.
abstract: Text-messaging interventions present a novel approach for targeting high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) who may not respond to or may be difficult to reach for face-to-face or site-based interventions. Project Tech Support (N = 52) was an open label pilot study testing the feasibility and utility of a text-messaging intervention to reduce methamphetamine use and high-risk sexual behaviors among out-of-treatment MSM. Participants in the two-week intervention received social support and health education text messages transmitted in real-time. At follow-up, there were significant decreases in frequency of methamphetamine use and unprotected sex while on methamphetamine (both p < 0.01), and a significant increase in self-reported abstinence from methamphetamine use (13.3 % vs. 48.9 %; p < 0.001). Additionally, participants reported reductions of unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners (p < 0.01); with HIV-negative partners, participants reported fewer insertive and receptive episodes (both p < 0.05). Findings demonstrate that text messaging is a promising intervention for reaching and potentially changing HIV high-risk behaviors among out-of-treatment, methamphetamine-using MSM.
authors.affiliation: Friends Research Institute, Inc., 1419 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA. reback@friendsresearch.org
authors.forename: Cathy J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Reback
authors.forename: Deborah Ling
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: Jesse B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Branson
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shoptaw
authors.forename: Jane Rohde
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bowers
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Charania
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mansergh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012944:Social Support; D060145:Text Messaging; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008694:Methamphetamine