A randomized controlled intervention trial of a sexual health approach to long-term HIV risk reduction for men who have sex with men: effects of the intervention on unsafe sexual behavior.
This controlled prospective study assessed the effectiveness of a sexual health approach to HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants (N = 422 Midwestern MSM) were randomly assigned to the intervention group, who participated in a 2-day comprehensive human sexuality seminar designed to contextually address long-term risk factors and cofactors, or to the control group, who watched 3 hours of HIV prevention videos. Risk behavior during the preceding 3 months was measured at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Any unprotected anal intercourse outside a long-term seroconcordant relationship was the dependent variable. Of the total, 14%-24% of the participants were considered at risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. At the 12-month follow-up, the control reported a 29% decrease in the use of condoms during anal intercourse; the intervention group reported an 8% increase (t = 2.546; p = .015). The sexual health seminars appear a promising new intervention at significantly reducing unprotected anal intercourse between men.
Rosser
B R Simon
BR
Center for HIV/STI Intervention and Prevention Studies(HIPS), Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Practice and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55454, USA. rosse001@tc.umn.edu
Bockting
Walter O
WO
Rugg
Deborah L
DL
Robinson
Beatrice Bean E
BB
Ross
Michael W
MW
Bauer
Greta R
GR
Coleman
Eli
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006302:Health Services Research; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex