@article {4292, title = {Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Live-Chat Social Media Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men.}, journal = {AIDS and behavior}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Sep 26}, abstract = {Given the popularity of social media among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), and in light of YMSM{\textquoteright}s elevated and increasing HIV rates, we tested the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a live chat intervention delivered on Facebook in reducing condomless anal sex and substance use within a group of high risk YMSM in a pre-post design with no control group. Participants (N~=~41; 18-29~years old) completed up to eight one-hour motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral skills-based online live chat intervention sessions, and reported on demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Analyses indicated that participation in the intervention (n~=~31) was associated with reductions of days of drug and alcohol use in the past month and instances of anal sex without a condom (including under the influence of substances), as well as increases in knowledge of HIV-related risks at 3-month follow-up. This pilot study argues for the potential of this social media-delivered intervention to reduce HIV risk among a most vulnerable group in the United States, in a manner that was highly acceptable to receive and feasible to execute. A future randomized controlled trial could generate an intervention blueprint for providers to support YMSM{\textquoteright}s wellbeing by reaching them regardless of their geographical location, at a low cost.}, issn = {1573-3254}, doi = {10.1007/s10461-014-0911-z}, author = {Lelutiu-Weinberger, Corina and Pachankis, John E and Gamarel, Kristi E and Surace, Anthony and Golub, Sarit A and Parsons, Jeffrey T} }