The purpose of this study to conduct a small randomized control trial to compare the relative effectiveness of a single-session of HIV testing and counseling risk reduction intervention (HCT-only) to an enhanced intervention that includes the standard HCT intervention plus a theory-based and culturally-tailored group-level intervention designed to reduce or eliminate HIV and STI risk behaviors (HCT-plus) among African-American men who have sex with men (AA-MSM).
The HCT-plus intervention will consist of the HCT-only intervention, as well as 8 small group intervention sessions focused on HIV risk reduction. Small groups will consist of 10 men who will meet once-a-week for 8 consecutive weeks. Each meeting will last approximately 2 hours. In each small group session, staff will work with men to reassess their HIV risk behavior, re-prioritize their goals as appropriate, and provide motivational support for their risk reduction accomplishments. Participants will be asked to discuss ways they have successfully avoided HIV risk behavior since the previous session, as well as to discuss situations in which they found it difficult to avoid risk. Staff will reinforce successful risk avoidance, and problem-solve with men to overcome barriers to risk reduction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
220
Participants will receive HIV counseling and testing. Those selected for the intervention arm will attend small groups consisting of 10 men who meet once a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The weekly two hour discussion sessions will address HIV risk behavior within a framework of contextual influences that may moderate men's risk reduction motivation and behavior. The factors include identity, stigma, connections to community, and situation factors.
Diverse and Resilient
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
The HCT-plus intervention will result in a greater proportion of men who abstain from anal and vaginal intercourse.
Time frame: 3 months after completing intervention
The HCT-plus intervention will result in a smaller proportion of men who had an act of anal or vaginal intercourse without the use of a condom.
Time frame: 3 months after completing the intervention
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