Web-based behavioral intervention utilizing narrative persuasion for HIV prevention among Chinese men who have sex with men (hehe talks project) : Intervention development

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

3 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Meiqi Xin
  • Neil S Coulson
  • Elizabeth Sillence
  • Andrew Chidgey
  • Norman Nok Man Kwan
  • Winnie W S Mak
  • William Goggins
  • Joseph Tak Fai Lau
  • Phoenix Kit Han Mo

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere22312
Journal / PublicationJournal of Medical Internet Research
Volume23
Issue number9
Online published16 Sept 2021
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Link(s)

Abstract

Background: In the era of potent antiretroviral therapy, a high level of condomless anal intercourse continues to drive increases in HIV incidence in recent years among men who have sex with men. Effective behavior change strategies for promoting HIV-preventive behaviors are warranted. Narrative persuasion is a novel health communication approach that has demonstrated its persuasive advantages in overcoming resistance to counterattitudinal messages. The efficacy of narrative persuasion in promoting health behavior changes has been well documented, but critical research gaps exist for its application to HIV prevention. 
Objective: In this study, we aimed to (1) capitalize on narrative persuasion to design a web-based multisession intervention for reducing condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong (the HeHe Talks Project) by following a systematic development process; and (2) describe the main components of the narrative intervention that potentially determine its persuasiveness. 
Methods: Persuasive themes and subtopics related to reducing condomless anal intercourse were initially proposed based on epidemiological evidence. The biographic narrative interview method was used to elicit firsthand experiential stories from a maximum variation sample of local men who have sex with men with diverse backgrounds and experiences related to HIV prevention; different types of role models were established accordingly. Framework analysis was used to aggregate the original quotations from narrators into collective narratives under 6 intervention themes. A dedicated website was finally developed for intervention delivery. 
Results: A series of video-based intervention messages in biographic narrative format (firsthand experiential stories shared by men who have sex with men) combined with topic-equivalent argumentative messages were produced and programmed into 6 intervention sessions. The 6-week intervention program can be automatically delivered and monitored online. 
Conclusions: We systematically created a web-based HIV prevention intervention derived from peer-generated stories. Strategies used to enhance the efficacy of the narrative intervention have been discussed within basic communication components. This paper describes the methods and experiences of the rigorous development of a narrative communication intervention for HIV prevention, which enables replication of the intervention in the future.

Research Area(s)

  • Firsthand experiential stories, Hiv prevention, Men who have sex with men, Narrative persuasion, Online intervention, Sexual behavior

Citation Format(s)

Web-based behavioral intervention utilizing narrative persuasion for HIV prevention among Chinese men who have sex with men (hehe talks project): Intervention development. / Xin, Meiqi; Coulson, Neil S; Jiang, Crystal Li et al.
In: Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol. 23, No. 9, e22312, 09.2021.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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