Using games to educate HIV-positive men about Hepatitis C
Reducing the Risk of Viral Hepatitis C and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among People Living With HIV Who Are Men Who Have Sex With Men: Efficacy of Serious Game Interventions
This study is testing whether a fun game or regular online health education can help HIV-positive men learn about Hepatitis C and change their risky sexual behaviors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT05751889 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to educate high-risk, HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) about viral hepatitis C through two different methods: a serious game intervention and traditional online health education. Participants will be randomly assigned to either play a serious game that incorporates healthcare information about HCV or read educational materials covering similar content. Following the intervention, participants will be monitored for 48 weeks to assess changes in risky sexual behaviors and the acquisition of HCV and other sexually transmitted infections. The study will involve regular assessments through questionnaires and laboratory tests.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are high-risk MSM living with HIV who have a history of HCV infection or other sexually transmitted infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently HCV RNA positive and have not achieved sustained virologic response will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of viral hepatitis C among high-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using game-based interventions for health education, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * High-risk MSM living with HIV, defined as: 1. Had prior HCV infection, and had cleared HCV through treatment or spontaneously 2. Had any STI within the past 12 months 3. Had any unexplained elevation of liver transaminase in the past 6 months 4. Had at least 1 unprotected anal sex during the past 6 months * Being able to use mobile smartphone and understand study materials * Repeat entry of study is permitted, but the interval between health education intervention should \>52 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * HCV RNA positive and yet clear virus (nor reaching SVR12). * Admission for any acute illness (including AIDS-defining conditions)
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chien-Ching Hung, PhD — National Taiwan University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Guan-Jhou Chen, MD, MSc
- Email: guanjhouchen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-3-3179599
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.