%0 Journal Article %J AIDS and behavior %D 2014 %T A Pilot RCT of an Intervention to Reduce HIV Sexual Risk and Increase Self-acceptance Among MSM in Chennai, India. %A Safren, Steven A %A Thomas, Beena E %A Mayer, Kenneth H %A Biello, Katie B %A Mani, Jamuna %A Rajagandhi, Vijaylakshmi %A Periyasamy, Murugesan %A Swaminathan, Soumya %A Mimiaga, Matthew J %X 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. %8 2014 Apr 27