Addressing Discrimination and Mistrust Among Black Men: Phase III

The aim of the study is to examine whether the pilot intervention can reduce mistrust and improve coping responses to discrimination among HIV positive Black men who have sex with men (MSM). We will conduct a small randomized pilot trial to test the feasibility of evaluation methods. All participants will attend a baseline, a first follow-up visit, and a final follow-up visit (each 3 months apart) at which they will take computer assessments. Participants who are assigned to the intervention will attend 9 weekly intervention sessions after baseline and before the first follow-up. Using a wait-list control design, control group participants from the first two cohorts will be offered the intervention after they complete the final follow-up visit. Control group participants from the third cohort will be offered the intervention after they complete the first final-up visit and before they complete their final follow-up due to timing and budgetary restraints. We will hold three consecutive groups for our small randomized control trial. This means that we will be recruiting continuously; once we finish recruiting for the first group, we will start recruiting for the second group, and so on. Each group has about 12 or 13 intervention and 7-11 control participants.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years-old or older
• Biologically male at birth
• Currently self-identifies as male
• Self-identifies as Black or African American (mixed-race individuals will be eligible if they primarily identify as Black or African American)
• HIV-positive
• Reported having sex with men in lifetime
• Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Does not meet all of the inclusion criteria (e.g., if they are unable to provide proof of their HIV-positive status)
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Reports or presents evidence of severe mental health problems that require immediate treatment (e.g., psychotic symptoms, active suicidality at time of enrollment) or diagnosed mental disorder that would limit the ability to participate (e.g., dementia)
• Reports or presents evidence of cognitive impairments that limit the ability to comprehend the informed consent or to fully participate in the various parts of the study (assessments, intervention, homework).