A pilot RCT of an intervention to reduce HIV sexual risk and increase self-acceptance among MSM in Chennai, India.
This is a 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 96) of a behavioral intervention (4 group and 4 individual sessions) integrating risk reduction counseling with counseling to foster self-acceptance in MSM in India compared to enhanced standard of care (ESOC). Both conditions involved HIV and STI testing and counseling at baseline and 6-months, and assessments of condomless sex at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. A significant condition by time interaction suggested a difference in the rate of change in number of anal sex acts without condoms in the intervention versus ESOC (p < 0.0001). Post hoc contrasts suggested that the overall difference was due to intervention-response at 3-months. The incidence of bacterial STIs was 17.5 % in the intervention condition and a 28.6 % in ESOC. Addressing self-acceptance and related psychosocial concerns in the context sexual risk reduction counseling for MSM in India was feasible and acceptable. Testing the intervention for efficacy is justified.
Behavioral Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, USA, ssafren@mgh.harvard.edu.
Steven A
SA
Safren
Beena E
BE
Thomas
Kenneth H
KH
Mayer
Katie B
KB
Biello
Jamuna
J
Mani
Vijaylakshmi
V
Rajagandhi
Murugesan
M
Periyasamy
Soumya
S
Swaminathan
Matthew J
MJ
Mimiaga
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D059039:Standard of Care