| Title | A Pilot RCT of an Intervention to Reduce HIV Sexual Risk and Increase Self-acceptance Among MSM in Chennai, India. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2014 |
| Authors | Safren, Steven A., Beena E. Thomas, Kenneth H. Mayer, Katie B. Biello, Jamuna Mani, Vijaylakshmi Rajagandhi, Murugesan Periyasamy, Soumya Swaminathan, and Matthew J. Mimiaga |
| Journal | AIDS and behavior |
| Date Published | 2014 Apr 27 |
| ISSN | 1573-3254 |
| Abstract | 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. |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
