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. 2011 Mar;101(3):539-45.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.191791. Epub 2011 Jan 13.

A novel approach to prevention for at-risk HIV-negative men who have sex with men: creating a teachable moment to promote informed sexual decision-making

Lisa A Eaton  1 , Chauncey Cherry, Demetria Cain, Howard Pope
Affiliations

A novel approach to prevention for at-risk HIV-negative men who have sex with men: creating a teachable moment to promote informed sexual decision-making

Lisa A Eaton et al. Am J Public Health. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: As a result of the impact of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM), multiple strategies for reducing HIV risks have emerged from within the gay community. One common HIV risk reduction strategy limits unprotected sex partners to those who are of the same HIV status (serosorting). We tested a novel, brief, one-on-one intervention, based on informed decision-making and delivered by peer counselors, designed to address the limitations of serosorting (e.g., risk for HIV transmission).

Methods: In 2009, we recruited a group of 149 at-risk men living in Atlanta, Georgia, and randomly assigned them to an intervention condition addressing serosorting or a standard-of-care control condition.

Results: Men in the serosorting intervention reported fewer sexual partners (Wald χ(2) = 8.79, P < .01) at the study follow-ups. Behavioral results were also consistent with changes in psychosocial variables, including condom use self-efficacy and perceptions of risk for HIV transmission.

Conclusions: With the current intervention, service providers can offer risk reduction for men arguably at the highest risk for HIV infection in the United States. Addressing risks associated with serosorting in a feasible, low-cost intervention has the potential to significantly affect the HIV epidemic.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Participant recruitment and enrollment flowchart: Atlanta, GA, March-October 2009. Note. UA = unprotected anal sex.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Contrasts for number of male sexual partners at baseline and at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups: men residing in Atlanta, GA, 2009.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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