A randomized controlled trial to test an HIV-prevention intervention for Latino gay and bisexual men: lessons learned

Abstract

At the time of this writing, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention to reduce unsafe sex among Latino gay and bisexual men (LGBM) had been published. We report the results of an RCT conducted in New York City in which 180 LGBM were assigned either to an intervention developed specifically for this population or to a wait-list control group. The intervention was based on empowerment theory and used factors identified in prior research as determinants of unsafe sex. By eligibility criteria, all men had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) within two months of the baseline assessment. At first (two months) and second (six months later) follow-up assessments, approximately half of the men in the experimental group reported no UAI. Yet, a similar proportion of the control group also reported no UAI. Baseline data indicate that although the men had been the subject of social oppression and sexual prejudice (homophobia), they did not feel disempowered, externally controlled or fatalistic, and they reported self-efficacy and intentionality to enact safer sex. Lessons learned are discussed, as well as notes of caution for future research employing a similar conceptual framework.

Keywords:

• Hispanic
• MSM
• unprotected anal sex
• empowerment
• oppression
• homophobia

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a center grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University (P50-MH43520; Center Principal Investigator: Anke A. Ehrhardt, Ph.D.).

We would like to thank Sutherland Miller, Ph.D., for his invaluable contribution in the development of the intervention; the members of the Community Advisory Board, for their insights and advice, and all the participants in the study who volunteered their time and effort.