Momentum is a sexual health study for men in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Momentum II Health Study — Vancouver site of the National Engage Study: Portrait of the health and wellbeing of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Metro Vancouver

Engage Community Report

Momentum II Health Study — Vancouver site of the National Engage Study: Portrait of the health and wellbeing of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Metro Vancouver

Engage Techical Report

We know that times have been uncertain lately but we are lucky enough to be still running the study. As a lot of things are changing in the world one constant is the value of the data our participants bring to us. We’ve been missing some of you and would love to have you back.

Check out below to see how we’ve made some changes in protocol to provide a safe participant experience.

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We're still here

We know that times have been uncertain lately but we are lucky enough to be still running the study. As a lot of things are changing in the world one constant is the value of the data our participants bring to us. We’ve been missing some of you and would love to have you back. Just a friendly reminder all data is of value to our study, so if you’ve noticed a change in your behaviour post pandemic that’s okay we’d still love to hear about it. Feel free to call or email us to see when you are due for another visit!
Check out below to see how we’ve made some changes in protocol to provide a safe participant experience.

New procedures

After extensive planning and receiving the appropriate approvals from our ethics and safety team we have been allowed to reopen and resume data collection at Momentum/Engage.

Our main recommendations were to limit the amount of people in the office at a time as well as to limit the amount of time that people need to spend in the office.

To that effect one of the main changes we have made is that we have modified our questionnaire to be able to be completed at home online. For the participants who choose this option we send the questionnaire link to be completed at home and then when you finish it we will have you in for a nurse visit to do the required testing and receive compensation. This portion only take about 20-30 minutes ensuring you time in the office space is as limited as possible.

We will still be offering full visits (questionnaire and testing) in the office for those who do not have access to a computer or internet.

For any questions regarding these new procedures feel free to call or email the office.

COVID-19 Precautions to Keep Participants and Study Personnel safe

Here are the steps we are taking to ensure your safety:

  • Anyone with the following risk factors for exposure to COVID-19 will not be permitted to complete their study visit and will be re-booked for an appointment at least two weeks in the future:
    • Those who in the last 7 days, have had one or more of the following symptoms: cough, fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, loss of taste or smell OR
    • Those who in the last 14 days have been in close contact with a person who was diagnosed with COVID-19 OR
    • Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • We ask that participants come alone and do not bring a friend/companion
  • A distance of 2m between study staff and participants will be maintained as much as possible
  • Study nurses will be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during the nursing portion (i.e. face masks etc…)
  • We will provide face masks and make hand sanitizer available to participants
  • Computer stations will be thoroughly cleaned before and between participants
  • The time spent with the study nurse will be significantly shorter than during previous visits

What can I get for participating?

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A $2000 travel reward from Flight Centre

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A $250 Apple Store gift card

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Up to $140 in cash

I live in...

What can I expect at my appointment?

 

Study Overview (10 mins)
Our trained study staff will review the main procedures of the study with you. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary and all information will be kept completely secure and confidential at all times.
Questionnaire (90 mins)
Our questionnaire, which is computer-​based and self-administered, will take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. You’ll be asked to recall your behaviour in the past six months on topics such as mental health, sexual behaviour, and substance use. The questionnaire will also ask you about your attitudes and beliefs regarding HIV risk, and knowledge of HIV and treat­ment as prevention.
Clinical Component (30 mins)
A registered nurse from VCH will conduct the clinical component of our study. The nurse will collect some brief information about your health, administer a point-of-care rapid HIV test, and collect two small blood samples for syphilis, hepatitis B and C testing. We also offer, at your request, other clinically relevant sexual health services, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and treatment and healthcare referrals.