Thanks for your interest in Neon Lights

Led by Dr. Westmoreland, our research team includes members of LGBTQ+ communities and focuses on improving the sexual health of LGBTQ+ people. The purpose of this research study is to help us learn more about sexuality, sexual behavior, and alcohol and substance use. This includes learning more about things that make it easier or more difficult for people to get sexually transmitted infections, like HIV. 

Yes! For participating, you could earn up to $230 for completing all parts of the study. Each of the three steps of the study will be compensated individually.

You will be able to choose what kind of reward you receive including: pre-paid visa card, gift card to many different sites and stores, and donation to a charity 

To take part in this study you must be:

1. At least 18 years or older

2. Be able to speak and read English

3. Identify as a cisgender man

Additionally, you must meet other criteria related to sexual behavior and alcohol or substance use. 

The total amount of time you would be in this study is approximately 12-14 weeks. 

There are three parts of this study: 

1.  Baseline assessments: two surveys that each take about 45 minutes to complete, and at-home testing that can be completed at your convenience
2. 10 weeks of twice-weekly diaries: each diary takes about 5 minutes to complete
3. Follow-up assessment: a survey that takes about 15 minutes to complete, and another at-home test that can be completed at your convenience

Yes! All of your information will be kept confidential, and all of your study data will be kept on locked and encrypted computers, servers, and storage platforms. 

Yes, you will be asked to complete an at-home blood sample collection called a "dried blood spot" test. As part of the study, you will be mailed a test collection kit.  The package itself will not say what is inside, nor will it mention that it is for this study. The test kit will contain all the supplies you need to complete testing and mail it back to our laboratory partners.  The at-home blood sample will be used to test you for PrEP and alcohol use. We won't be sending out your test alcohol & PrEP test results unless you reach out to us.

Click here for a video detailing the at-home test collection kit instructions. We recommend you watch this video fully before you begin testing. 

If you have any questions or concerns about testing, or you would like one of our testing staff to talk you through the process, please feel free to email us at [contact information no longer active].

Participation in this survey is voluntary.  If you do not take the survey, it will have no consequence or penalties for you.  You may stop the survey at any time, simply close your browser window.