# Novel Stigma/Structural Interventions for Increasing HIV/STI Testing Among BMSM

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · 2020 · $581,860

## Abstract

This application requests support to conduct structural and stigma-focused interventions to increase HIV and STI
testing uptake among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Our research proposal is focused on this
population due to the alarmingly high rates of HIV/STI among BMSM– this group has experienced elevated
rates of HIV incidence and prevalence since the beginning of the US epidemic, and current estimates
demonstrate that although BMSM make up only 0.2% of the population they make up 22% of new HIV infections.
In our own work we have documented a 5.1% annual HIV incidence and a 35% HIV prevalence among BMSM.
We are failing to engage BMSM at all points of the HIV care continuum including the seek and test components.
The CDC recommends that individuals at substantial risk for HIV be tested for HIV/STI every three to six
months; however, this goal is not being achieved and, therefore, a new approach to engaging BMSM is
needed. To address these shortcomings and based on preliminary studies, we are proposing a 2 x 2 factorial
design to evaluate a model that is aimed at increasing HIV/STI testing uptake among BMSM. We will test a
stigma-focused intervention as stigma is a known deterrent to HIV/STI testing, yet little has been done to
address this factor; and, we will evaluate HIV/STI test counseling delivered online (in conjunction with at-home
HIV/STI test kits) as this delivery of testing may remove key barriers to reaching BMSM in need of HIV/STI
related care services. Specific Aim 1: Assess HIV/STI testing uptake at scheduled HIV/STI test counseling
appointments during the 12 month follow-up period. 500 BMSM who are HIV negative/unknown status, and
report condomless anal intercourse with a male partner in past year and infrequent HIV/STI testing (≤1 HIV/STI
test in past year) will be randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) receive CDC-based risk reduction
counseling and scheduled for in-office HIV/STI test counseling appointments, (b) receive HIV stigma-enhanced
intervention and scheduled for in-office HIV/STI test counseling appointments, (c) receive CDC-based risk
reduction counseling and scheduled for online, via video calling, HIV/STI test counseling appointments, or (d)
receive HIV stigma-enhanced intervention and scheduled for online, via video calling, HIV/STI test counseling
appointments. Specific Aim 2: Evaluate mediating (key theoretical stigma variables) factors collected via
assessments at 3, 6, and 12 month follow-ups. Specific Aim 3: Conduct an economic evaluation to determine
the costs of the office-based and online-based HIV/STI test delivery formats from both a community-based payer
perspective and a comprehensive societal perspective that includes all costs. Our project has the potential to
exert a sustained and powerful impact not only on approaches to engaging BMSM, but to improving HIV/STI
testing uptake which will likely improve multiple health outcomes among BMSM. If effective, our approach to
improving HI...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9971571
- **Project number:** 5R01MH109409-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS
- **Principal Investigator:** Lisa A Eaton
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $581,860
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-26 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9971571

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9971571, Novel Stigma/Structural Interventions for Increasing HIV/STI Testing Among BMSM (5R01MH109409-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9971571. Licensed CC0.

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