Outcomes
sexual behaviors
SECONDARY
The primary outcome was self-efficacy in refusing risky sexual behaviors and chemsex. As there was no well-established study instrument to specifically assess this primary outcome, the traditional Chinese version of the Condom Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) [The CSES is a 14-item instrument covering 3 domains: (1) consistent condom use, (2) correct condom use, and (3) condom use communication. The total score ranges from 14 to 70, with a higher score indicating a higher level of condom use efficacy [The secondary outcomes included (1) an intention to have chemsex in the last 3 months, (2) actual engagement in chemsex in the last 3 months, and (3) HIV and other STI testing in the last 3 months. We assessed and evaluated participants’ intentions to have chemsex in the last 3 months because we wanted to supplement the outcomes relating to their actual engagement in chemsex. It is known that people who intend to have chemsex do not necessarily eventually engage in chemsex. Therefore, their intentions to have chemsex in the past 3 months were assessed. For participants who engaged in chemsex in the last 3 months, data were collected on the (4) practice of condomless sex during non-chemsex in the last 3 months and (5) practice of condomless sex during chemsex in the last 3 months.All study outcomes were self-assessed at baseline and 3-month follow-up interviews through an online structured questionnaire. The online questionnaire was pilot tested. A trained research assistant would send reminders (via email or instant messaging) to the study participants to ask them to complete the follow-up interview. There was no change to trial outcomes after the study commenced.