Reducing Sexual Risk and Heavy Drinking in Men Who Have Sex with Men Through a Brief Intervention

What this Trial Is About

HIV transmission remains a significant public health concern, particularly among men who have sex with men MSM, with condomless anal intercourse CAI being the primary transmission route. This research aims to understand how heavy drinking influences sexual decision-making in real-life situations and to evaluate a brief intervention designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors linked to alcohol use. The study focuses on non-monogamous adult MSM who engage in heavy drinking and CAI, seeking to identify mechanisms that can be modified to lower HIV risk. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two behavioral intervention groups a Self-Regulation Intervention involving a single motivational session targeting heavy drinking and sexual risk reduction, followed by four weeks of supportive text messages or a Brief Advice and Information session centered on psychoeducation about heavy drinking risks, barriers to safe sex, and information about pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP. The study includes intensive assessments before and after the intervention using experience sampling methods ESM over three-week periods to monitor alcohol use, arousal, sexual decision processes, and CAI. During the study, participants will complete periodic surveys and ESM assessments that capture sexual behavior and alcohol consumption in natural settings. Follow-up data will be collected after four months to evaluate changes in behavior. Researchers will measure outcomes such as frequency of condomless anal intercourse and heavy drinking episodes, using both retrospective surveys and real-time monitoring. The trial aims to enhance behavioral HIV prevention strategies by addressing alcohol-related sexual risk among MSM, with participation lasting several months including intervention and follow-up phases.

Alcohol and "Heat of the Moment" Sexual Decision Making