Preferences and Correlates of Electronic Substance Use Screening and Brief Intervention Features Among Rural Men Who Have Sex with Men.

BACKGROUND

This study examined the endorsement of electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) features among men who have sex with men (MSM) who use substances and live in rural Southern U.S. counties. Additionally, demographic, care access, and substance use correlates of endorsed features were assessed.

METHODS

Participants (N = 412) completed an online cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics and split logistic regression models were employed.

RESULTS

Over half of participants endorsed features related to substance misuse screenings, a list of local behavioral health professionals, substance misuse prevention information, and virtual communication with a behavioral health professional. Young adults were less likely, whereas racial minority participants were more likely, to support multiple e-SBI features. Employed participants had lower odds of preferring substance use screenings, while health insured participants had higher odds of endorsing in- and outpatient program listings. Participants who reported alcohol and stimulant use were more likely to select geolocation-based notifications, while participants reporting depressants and dissociative use were more likely to endorse listings of and talking with local behavioral health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the heterogeneity in e-SBI feature preferences across demographic and substance use profiles, suggesting that user-informed design approaches may enhance the acceptability and uptake of e-SBIs among rural MSM.