Citation
Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Larissa; Coleman, Jessica; Timbo, Fatmata; Ssewamala, Fred M.; Linnemayr, Sebastian; Yi, Grace T.; Kang, Bee-Ah; Johnson, Matthew W.; Yenokyan, Gayane; & Dodge, Brian, et al. (2020). Microenterprise Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors and Increase Employment and HIV Preventive Practices among Economically-Vulnerable African-American Young Adults (Emerge): A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial. AIDS and Behavior, 24(12), 3545-3561. PMCID: PMC7667139Abstract
Economic vulnerability, such as homelessness and unemployment, contributes to HIV risk among U.S. racial minorities. Yet, few economic-strengthening interventions have been adapted for HIV prevention in this population. This study assessed the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial of a 20-week microenterprise intervention for economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. Engaging MicroenterprisE for Resource Generation and Health Empowerment (EMERGE) aimed to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and uptake of HIV preventive behaviors. The experimental group received text messages on job openings plus educational sessions, mentoring, a start-up grant, and business and HIV prevention text messages. The comparison group received text messages on job openings only. Primary feasibility objectives assessed recruitment, randomization, participation, and retention. Secondary objectives examined employment, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV preventive behaviors. Outcome assessments used an in-person pre- and post-intervention interview and a weekly text message survey. Several progression criteria for a definitive trial were met. Thirty-eight participants were randomized to experimental (n = 19) or comparison group (n = 19) of which 95% were retained. The comparison intervention enhanced willingness to be randomized and reduced non-participation. Mean age of participants was 21.0 years; 35% were male; 81% were unemployed. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of experimental participants completedURL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-02931-0Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2020Journal Title
AIDS and BehaviorAuthor(s)
Jennings Mayo-Wilson, LarissaColeman, Jessica
Timbo, Fatmata
Ssewamala, Fred M.
Linnemayr, Sebastian
Yi, Grace T.
Kang, Bee-Ah
Johnson, Matthew W.
Yenokyan, Gayane
Dodge, Brian
Glass, Nancy E.