Specialized Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling Intervention to Reduce HIV Transmission Risk Behavior in HIV-Infected Men

Past research has shown that HIV-uninfected men who receive counseling regarding high-risk sexual behavior are less likely to engage in such behavior with other men. The rising rates of HIV infection among gay men suggest that some HIV-infected men are still engaging in high-risk sexual activity. There are several existing counseling interventions that focus on reducing high-risk sexual behavior, but the need exists for an intervention specifically targeted to HIV-infected men. This study will focus on the development of a specialized counseling intervention to help HIV-infected men identify and re-evaluate their "self-justifications," which are their thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs when deciding to engage in high-risk sexual activity with other men. In turn, this counseling may decrease the incidence of high-risk sexual behaviors, thereby reducing HIV infection rates among gay men. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the specialized counseling intervention versus a standard risk-reduction counseling intervention in promoting safer sexual activity among HIV-infected men.

This study will consist of two phases. In Year 1, interviews will be conducted with 30 HIV-infected men who have engaged in high-risk unprotected sex within the previous 12 months with HIV-uninfected partners or partners with an unknown HIV status. The data resulting from these interviews will aid in the development of a specialized counseling intervention that is specifically geared for HIV-infected men. In Years 2 through 4, approximately 400 HIV-infected men will be randomly assigned to receive either the specialized counseling intervention or a standard counseling intervention. All participants will attend two counseling sessions: the first will occur at study entry and the second will occur 6 months later. Outcome measurements will be assessed at the second counseling session and again 6 months later, and will include self-reports of unprotected sex and laboratory testing for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Inclusion criteria

• HIV-infected
• Currently receiving HIV-specific primary medical care or mental health care
• Reports at least one episode of unprotected sex (receptive or insertive) with a male partner who is either not infected or does not know if he is infected with HIV (within 12 months prior to study enrollment)
• Plans to live in the San Francisco Bay Area for the next 12 months

Exclusion criteria

• History of intercourse on a regular basis with only one person
• Insufficient understanding of English
• Cognitive disorder that may affect ability to give informed consent
• Currently enrolled in any other behavioral or clinical HIV trials that could affect participation in this study