What is MICDROP?
MICDROP is a CDC funded multi-site study that aims to evaluate current trends in characteristics of MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) at risk of acquiring HIV, behaviors and preferences for using PrEP products, and development and testing of prevention messages.
The Goal?
MICDROP aims to enroll 1,275 same gender loving men across Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego. Those who enroll will be required to do HIV and STI testing, baseline and quarterly follow-up surveys over 2 years.
What we ask of the participant?
As a MICDROP participant you would:
Attend a virtual study visit on Zoom or in-person at Baseline, when you enroll.
Provide lab specimens, self-collected at home and mailed in, for HIV/STI testing at Baseline, Month 6, Month 12 and Month 18 (every 6 months).
Download and use the Study App on a mobile phone.
Complete online behavioral surveys at Baseline and Months 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 (every 3 months).
If selected, participate in virtual individual in-depth interviews or focus group discussions at Months 6, 12, and 18.
COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION
Participants will receive a $100 electronic gift card for completion of the baseline survey and HIV/STI testing, and for each wave of HIV/STI testing and survey completion at 6-month intervals; a $50 electronic gift card will be provided for each quarterly follow up survey that does not include HIV/STI testing, for a potential total of $600. A purposive sample of individuals will be selected to participate in an in-depth interview or focus group discussion. Participants who participate in one of the qualitative assessments will receive $75 in the form of an electronic gift card. Tax information is required for Atlanta and Chicago participants per university policy for those who receive $300 or more in incentives annually (not San Diego), and payments will not be pro-rated if a participant withdraws early.
WHO IS CONDUCTING THE STUDY?
PRISM Health (Programs, Research, & Innovation in Sexual Minority Health) is based within the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta GA. PRISM Health conducts a broad portfolio of National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and foundation-funded studies and projects and actively collaborates with community-based organizations to conduct research, to generate theories and knowledge, and to translate findings into effective sexual health interventions and programs. PRISM also provides resources such as technical/research assistance to external public health bodies with support from the Center for AIDS Research (CfAR).
