# Gamification to enhance engagement in HIV prevention and co-morbid conditions in young men who have sex with men

> **NIH NIH R21** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $210,039

## Abstract

Abstract
Malaysia’s HIV epidemic is rapidly expanding with recent evidence suggesting accelerated sexual transmission,
especially among men who have sex with men (MSM): 10% in 2008 to 54% in 2016. Biobehavioral surveys
suggest high HIV prevalence in MSM being nationally (21.6%). Among these, Young MSM (YMSM) bear a
substantial burden of new HIV cases in Malaysia, attributed to high levels of condomless sex, low uptake of HIV
testing, and limited access to PrEP. Besides heightened risk, Malaysian YMSM have high levels co-morbid
conditions that contribute to poor overall health, including high use of cigarette (78%), alcohol and
methamphetamine, depression, and STIs. Besides the common barriers that YMSM have (e.g., lack of
knowledge in HIV prevention and misperception of risk), Malaysian YMSM experience high stigma and
discrimination and also difficulty in accessing confidential HIV care. Consequently, they are marginalized from
traditional, venue-based HIV prevention services, which undermines recommendations by international agencies.
HIV prevention fatigue among YMSM can also undermine gains in this group because of boredom, diminishing
interests in existing HIV prevention methods, which lead to more risk behaviors. To address stigma,
discrimination and HIV prevention fatigue, gamified mHealth integrated HIV prevention strategies can engage
Malaysian YMSM with prevention messages and help them make health decisions anonymously, and thus hold
great promise for Malaysian YMSM. Gamified mHealth interventions designed for YMSM are at its infancy and
have not been adapted in Malaysia yet. We therefore aim to adapt, expand, and refine an existing gamified
mHealth app to assess acceptability, feasibility and important factors that affecting Malaysian YMSM’s HIV
prevention and co-morbid conditions. Findings from this exploratory pilot study will inform a future prospective
Type 1 Hybrid implementation science trial.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10620338
- **Project number:** 5R21AI167773-02
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey Allen Wickersham
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $210,039
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-05-10 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10620338

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10620338, Gamification to enhance engagement in HIV prevention and co-morbid conditions in young men who have sex with men (5R21AI167773-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10620338. Licensed CC0.

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