Development of a Behavioral Economic Intervention to Improve HIV-related Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Individuals

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new behavioral therapy called Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) to help sexual minority individuals reduce drug use and risky sexual behaviors while improving adherence to HIV prevention medication (PrEP). The study is a two-phase research project, with the second phase involving a randomized controlled trial comparing standard care alone to standard care plus the EFT program. The study focuses on HIV prevention behaviors, including methamphetamine use and sexual risk, among adults aged 18 to 34 who are HIV negative and currently taking PrEP. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives standard care, which includes counseling on HIV prevention, reducing drug use, and sexual health. The other group receives the same standard care plus the EFT intervention, which involves thinking about and planning future goals using a mobile app and in-person counseling sessions delivered by a trained counselor. The EFT intervention aims to improve decision-making through cognitive training exercises supported by mobile health technology. During the study, participants will complete surveys and provide blood, urine, and rectal swab samples for testing PrEP adherence, drug use, and sexually transmitted infections from Day 1 to Day 180. HIV rapid tests and psychological assessments will also be conducted throughout the study period. Researchers will monitor PrEP-related intentions, attitudes, stigma, and self-efficacy, along with mental health measures. Participants are expected to attend all study visits and use the EFT app as part of the intervention group. The study duration is approximately six months for each participant.

Behavioral Economic Intervention to Improve HIV Behaviors in Sexual Minority Individuals