The Virtual Two-Spirit project is a culturally-grounded, online HIV prevention intervention for Native American men who have sex with men. The intervention facilitates positive sexual health behaviors and promotes HIV risk harm reduction strategies. Eligible participants who complete the three-week intervention can receive up to $190 in incentives.
The project is being conducted by the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute at the University of Washington in Seattle. The Institute is an innovative leader in researching health disparities among Native Americans and other indigenous populations utilizing community-based participatory research principles and indigenous knowledges. The Institute also collaborates with communities to develop culturally-adapted interventions to address those health disparities.
The Virtual Two-Spirit intervention utilizes a computer downloadable virtual reality world, where participants create their own avatar and go through experiential modules in learning about HIV, harm reduction techniques, and behavioral role play.
During their time in the virtual world, participants will have the opportunity to receive two free counseling sessions with trained Univ. of Washington counselors. Participants will also take assessment surveys at the end of each stage of the virtual intervention.
The expected outcomes for participants who go through the intervention include:
- an increase in HIV testing
- more reliable condom use
- awareness and practice of harm reduction behaviors
The study is actively recruiting participants nationally to test the Virtual Two-Spirit intervention. Please see the attached flyer for eligibility criteria and contact information.
The Virtual Two-Spirit project is supported by funding from the National Institute of Health and Health Disparities, Award Number P60MD006909. Principal Investigator, Karina Walters, PhD, University of Washington
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