The European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS): Design and Methods

• DOI: 10.1007/s13178-013-0119-4
• Publication Date: 2013-05-05T21:54:12Z
• Authors: Peter Weatherburn; Axel J. Schmidt; Ford Hickson; David Reid; Rigmor C. Berg; Harm J. Hospers; Ulrich Marcus
• Keywords: Survey data collection; Summit

Community-based opportunistic self-completion surveying for sexual health programming is common among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in Europe, being used to generate evidence of unmet prevention need, behavioural surveillance and as a platform advocating HIV precautions. However, comparing survey findings across Europe difficult because varying measures recruitment designs, has not occurred all countries. EMIS (the European Men-who-have-sex-with-men Internet Survey) aimed develop pan-European on HIV-related male homosexual behaviours needs both increase research capacity move towards harmonisation existing systems. Six associated partners (APs) recruited another 77 collaborating from academia, public civil society 35 Partners' MSM surveys were collected collated, producing meta-survey which was discussed by through rotating round-tables at 2-day summit. Survey development continued iteratively user piloting partner feedback until the English language content agreed. Transfer an online application followed further testing before on-screen translation into 24 other languages, final sign-off. The project's visual identity promotional materials developed close collaboration with national leads, tailoring products match country specific while maintaining overall project identity. Five international dating websites contracted send carefully crafted instant messages members series waves. sought ground stakeholders respondents endorsing 'the best sex least harm' MSM. Real-time monitoring responses allowed targeted spending advertising budget maximise coverage depth responses. Fieldwork during June–August 2010. Over 184,469 submitted 94.4 % eligible. Partners 38 countries supplied database 100 or more analysis outputs, AP team proceeded comparisons 174,209 demonstrated feasibility multi-country community-based limited funding. concept provided diverse range collaborate. Meaningful involvement large number collaborators design, its strategies ensured unprecedented recruitment. Flexible planning essential patchwork required commercial community partners. Careful presentation acceptable had authority perceived benefit.