A Pilot Intervention Trial to Promote Sexual Health and Stress Management Among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience HIV disparities. This study pilot-tested a two session, group-delivered intervention to promote sexual health and stress management skills for HIV-infected MSM. Participants (N=80) were randomized to an immediate or delayed intervention condition. Analyses of covariance examined intervention efficacy. Compared to the delayed condition, intervention condition participants reported: greater HIV transmission knowledge (p<.001), higher HIV disclosure self-efficacy (p=.004), stronger intentions to refuse unprotected sex (p=.05), decreased frequency of unprotected anal or oral sex (p=.03), decreased perceived stress levels (p=.03), and higher coping self-efficacy (p=.003). Differences in the number of unprotected anal sex episodes, condom attitudes, and level of social support did not differ between conditions. Findings provide evidence of intervention acceptability and suggest the brief intervention may enhance stress management skills and modify sexual risk behavior antecedents for HIV-infected MSM.