Optimizing Individual HIV Testing and Counseling for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men (Aged 18 to 24) in Relationships: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunct Communication Components

Abstract

The majority of new HIV infections in the US occur among sexual minority men (SMM) with older adolescent and emerging adult SMM at the highest risk. Those in relationships face unique HIV prevention challenges. Existing sexual HIV transmission risk interventions for male couples often encounter implementation challenges and engaging younger SMM early in relationships may be particularly difficult. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptibility and feasibility of We Test HIV testing - a behavioral health intervention tailored for younger SMM in realtionships - and generated preliminary estimates of effect size. The intervention comprises two adjunct moduls - video-based communication skills training as well as communication goal setting and planning - delivered in conjunction with routine HIV testing and counseling in individual or dyadic formats. A sample of 69 SMM aged 17 to 24 were recruited online. Following baseline assessment, youth were randomized to receive either the experimental, We Test, intervention or routine HIV testing (the control condition). Follow-up assessments were completed 3 and 6 months post-baseline. Results suggested the study was feasible and the individually delivered format was acceptible. We Test HIV testing was associated with significant improvements in communication skills. In addition, youth who remained in a relationship experienced an increase in communal coping to reduce HIV infection risk and relationship power. While groups did not differ with respect to condomless anal sex with casual partners, these psycho-social constructs (communication, communal coping with HIV prevention, and relationship power) may serve as mediators of intervention effects on sexual risk reduction in a larger study.