Focus on the Future Pilot


A growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is occurring. Unlike HIV, STIs are less amenable to biomedical prevention approaches (i.e., daily medication use) such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Thus, condom use remains as a vital public health strategy for both HIV and STI prevention. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of evidence-based interventions designed to promote the consistent and correct use of condoms among gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit and queer (GBT2Q) people. Focus on the Future (FoF) is a brief individualized face-to-face program. The program is sex-positive, highly scalable, and quickly adaptable for virtual delivery (e.g., pre-recorded and live face-to-face online sessions).

Aims: to evaluate the preliminary effects of a virtual adaptation of FoF. In particular, we will determine the effects of the intervention to (1) promote consistent and correct use of condoms during penetrative (i.e., anal or vaginal) sex; and (2) promote uptake of HIV PrEP among HIV-negative participants. In light of ongoing physical distancing restrictions and impacts on sexual health services due to COVID-19, this study will produce an empirically-tested, virtual intervention aimed at reducing STI transmission, improving condom use and promoting PrEP uptake among a wider population (i.e., GTB2Q people).

Approach: We have chosen a Community-Based Research (CBR) approach to increase the relevance of our study and its likelihood to have impact and be scalable. It also allows trust to be built between researchers and communities, which is especially important given the troubled history of health research with GBT2Q people. Using a CBR approach will increase buy-in with our study and feasibility and success of a future larger randomized-control trial.

Impact: results from this pilot study will inform power calculations and study design for a larger randomized-controlled trial to be submitted as a Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant in Spring/Fall 2022. Our experience with and results from this pilot will help refine study eligibility criteria, outcomes and measures, and the use of “check-in” sessions in a larger, longer-term randomized control trial. If successful, our intervention can minimize the demand for testing services and ultimately reduce the economic burden of STIs in Canada.

Partners: CBRC, CTN

Methods:
Quantitative

Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Current Status: Currently in planning phase.