Peer-led Facebook groups have led to an increased HIV testing among men, according to PHYS.
This has become an acceptable and effective tool for increasing home-based testing among populations that are considered to be at high-risk.
HIV is regarded as a common and major health concern among men who have sex with men, especially among African Americans and Latin Americans.
The online social networking platform has grown exponentially particularly in this population suggesting that it can be used to help relay HIV prevention messages.
This is important because those who seek sex online may be at highest risk for HIV.
The research tested 16 peer leaders who were randomly assigned to deliver information about HIV or general health via closed Facebook groups to Los Angeles-based male to male.
More than 85 percent of the participants were African American or Latinos.
After accepting an invitation to join the group, participation was done voluntarily and all online interactions were monitored to assess participation and engagement.
Throughout the trial, participants were also afforded with the opportunity to request for a free, home-based HIV testing kit.
After 12 weeks, the researchers claimed that more intervention participants requested an HIV testing kit than controlled participants.
