HIV Big Deal

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

HIV Big Deal is a primary intervention that consists of a series of 10-minute video dramas set in New York and follows the life of a young gay man. The mini series is publicly accessible through the internet in a variety of ways such as the program website, Youtube, television broadcasting, or other websites such as Queerty and RealJock. Although outlining everyday circumstances, the story remains captivating as the hero learns to navigate through daily challenges, promoting safe choices regarding HIV and disproving misconceptions. Scenarios outlined in the drama include managing online hook ups, unprotected sex, disclosing HIV status and getting tested. As the viewer follows the young man’s saga, important issues and lessons are examined to reduce high-risk HIV behavior. Due to its broad accessibility, low cost, and existing use by many MSM (men who have sex with men) to meet sexual partners, the internet is an ideal medium for HIV prevention efforts.

Goal / Mission

HIV Big Deal seeks to promote safer sex practices among men who have sex with men via internet-based video drama.

Results / Accomplishments

The effectiveness of the HIV Big Deal program was evaluated by a one-group pretest-posttest study design where 213,151 men viewed the banner ad for the study on a popular sexual meeting site for men who have sex with men; of these, 522 received the intervention and completed baseline and follow-up online surveys. Of the 522 study participants, 422 men (those who reported their sexual behavior) were included in the analysis. The surveys measured HIV risk behavior before and after intervention by asking detailed questions about general sexual behavior and most recent sexual behavior. Variables included type of contact (e.g. unprotected anal intercourse), disclosure of HIV status, and drug use, among other variables. HIV incidence is not measured as a primary outcome. The study found that men were significantly more likely to disclose their status after the intervention (p-value<0.001) and significantly reduced other HIV risk behaviors after the video intervention.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Public Health Solutions of New York City and New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Primary Contact
Public Health Solutions
40 Worth Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10013
(646) 616-6400
info@healthsolutions.org
http://www.healthsolutions.org/
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Health
Organization(s)
Public Health Solutions of New York City and New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Location
New York City
For more details
Target Audience
Adults
Submitted By
Sharlene Stutz, Sophia Hur, Sam Sheffield - UC Berkeley School of Public Health