# Optimizing an IMB-guided intervention to support HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM: A pilot factorial RCT

> **NIH NIH K01** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 2020 · $145,935

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV, and more than 70% of HIV
infections among youth (≤ 24 years old) occur among young MSM (YMSM). US Food and Drug Administration
approved oral fluid rapid HIV self-testing (HIVST) devices provide a critical route for reducing barriers to HIV
testing; however, uptake of HIVST among YMSM has been slow to date and no known studies have explored
barriers and facilitators to HIVST among YMSM using rigorous mixed-methods procedures. YMSM who
engage in HIVST are also good candidates for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but PrEP uptake among
YMSM has been minimal to date. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model is an empirically
supported framework for HIV prevention, which can be applied to the barriers and facilitators related to HIVST
and PrEP uptake. An IMB-guided mHealth intervention is a promising strategy to increase HIVST and PrEP
uptake, offering participant confidentiality and potential scaling of an efficient intervention. Despite the promise
of this type of theoretically-guided intervention, little is known about the independent effects of each IMB model
construct on HIVST and PrEP uptake. To support intervention development, we will conduct mixed-methods
formative research to explore IMB-related barriers and facilitators to HIVST and PrEP uptake among YMSM
using data collected via online focus groups (n = 12; 96-144 individuals) with YMSM nationwide and a national
survey of YMSM (n = 500; i.e., Aim 1). We will then pilot an IMB-factorial mHealth intervention to increase
HIVST and post-test PrEP uptake tailored for YMSM, assessing feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary
impact at 3-month follow-up (i.e., Aim 2). The intervention will be reviewed by an online youth advisory board
and beta-tested with 12 YMSM. We will then pilot the clinical trial with 120 YMSM randomized to one of four
groups using a factorial randomized experimental design, allowing us to determine which IMB model
construct(s) are most important to increase HIVST and PrEP uptake. The four arms of this randomized
controlled trial will be information-only (I), information + motivation (IM), information + behavioral skills (IB), and
full IMB model (IMB). Dried blood spot sampling will be used to measure PrEP uptake and adherence. The
training plan of this K01 award is designed to facilitate Dr. Steven A. John's transition to an independent
investigator. Specifically, Dr. John will: (1) develop skills in mixed-methods research including advanced
training in qualitative research methods, (2) build content expertise in mHealth interventions for HIV prevention,
and (3) gain expertise in translating formative work into efficacy trials with supplemental training in quantitative
analysis and implementation science. Additional training in responsible and ethical conduct in research and a
focus on career enhancement and professional development will accompany the three primary t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10006590
- **Project number:** 5K01MH118939-02
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven A John
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $145,935
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-03 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10006590

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10006590, Optimizing an IMB-guided intervention to support HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM: A pilot factorial RCT (5K01MH118939-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10006590. Licensed CC0.

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