title: Reducing sexual risk behaviors and alcohol use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men: a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: This randomized clinical trial (N = 253) evaluated the efficacy of a theory-based intervention designed to reduce both alcohol use and incidence of unprotected sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men with alcohol use disorders. An integrated, manualized intervention, using both individual counseling and peer group education/support, was compared with a control condition in which participants received resource referrals. The intervention was based on the transtheoretical model's stages and processes of change, and motivational interviewing was used to enhance client readiness for change. Major findings include treatment effects for reduction in number of drinks per 30-day period, number of heavy drinking days per 30-day period, and number of days on which both heavy drinking and unprotected sex occurred. Practitioners employing this intervention may achieve enhanced client outcomes in reduction of both alcohol use and risky sexual behavior.
authors.affiliation: Health Behavior Research and Training Institute, Center for Social Work Research, The University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712-0359, USA. velasquez@mail.utexas.edu
authors.forename: Mary M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Velasquez
authors.forename: Kirk
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: von Sternberg
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Carbonari
authors.forename: Jeffrey T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Parsons
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult