An Online Investigation and Intervention

Introduction

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infection and, therefore, should strongly consider vaccination. Prior research indicates that vaccination levels in this population are far below adequate, and that improving levels of knowledge and awareness about hepatitis will increase rates of vaccination. Building on the prior and current hepatitis educational efforts of the American Social Health Association, ASHA is conducting a five-year study to measure the impact of an online educational intervention with regard to hepatitis A and B vaccination among MSM. The overall goal of this project is to increase the awareness of, positives attitudes toward, and knowledge about hepatitis A and B vaccination in the MSM online community.

Objectives

Through this cooperative agreement, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, ASHA will accomplish the following:

1. Compile baseline data on MSM's current levels of viral hepatitis A and B knowledge, attitudes and vaccination practices.
2. Assess the health campaign strategies (messages, channels/settings) that are most effective in MSM populations.
3. Design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive health campaign strategy to: (a) increase levels of knowledge about hepatitis A and B prevention, (b) increase attitudes conducive to vaccination, and (c) increase intentions to become vaccinated for HAV and HBV.

Activities

• Design, test and implement online survey to assess HAV and HBV knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices among MSM
• Assess channel preferences for receiving public health information and assess campaign and message preferences among MSM
• Assess motivating factors and barriers to HAV and HBV vaccination among MSM
• Compile MSM misconceptions and information needs regarding HAV and HBV prevention
• Design, test, implement and evaluate comprehensive hepatitis prevention campaign
• Design effective dissemination strategy & disseminate campaign results

Outcomes

This project's goal, to identify and deliver an effective communication strategy that increases HAV and HBV vaccination intentions among MSM, will have a significant impact on public health organizations' future communication approaches with key populations. The success of the project will strengthen ASHA's commitment and capability to use the Internet as an effective public health tool to reach populations at risk, such as MSM, of STDs.

Findings from preliminary activities have been presented at the National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference in Washington, DC. ASHA will disseminate and post lessons learned and evaluation findings as available.

Contact Information

This project is ongoing. For more information, please contact info@ashastd.org.

Return to Research Projects Listings