ABSTRACT
Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, the number of evidence-based interventions for Black MSM is limited. This study evaluated the efficacy of Many Men, Many Voices (3MV), a small-group HIV/STI prevention intervention developed by Black MSM-serving community-based organizations and a university-based HIV/STI prevention and training program. The study sample included 338 Black MSM of HIV-negative or unknown HIV serostatus residing in New York city. Participants were randomly assigned to the 3MV intervention condition (n = 164) or wait-list comparison condition (n = 174). Relative to comparison participants, 3MV participants reported significantly greater reductions in any unprotected anal intercourse with casual male partners; a trend for consistent condom use during receptive anal intercourse with casual male partners; and significantly greater reductions in the number of male sex partners and greater increases in HIV testing. This study is the first randomized trial to demonstrate the efficacy of an HIV/STI prevention intervention for Black MSM.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/prevention & control , Homosexuality, Male/ethnology , Risk Reduction Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Unsafe Sex/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Black People , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/ethnology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Program Evaluation , Risk Factors , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/ethnology , Socioeconomic Factors , Unsafe Sex/ethnology , Young AdultABSTRACT
This article reports on the development of a scale to evaluate skills for performing Stage-based Behavioral Counseling. This intervention is an adaptation of the Stage of Change/Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change Theory and is used to promote behavior change for STD and HIV prevention. Eleven essential skill items were identified that combine to characterize the overall skill of performing this method of behavioral counseling. Qualitative and quantitative descriptions were developed, yielding a methodology to evaluate varying levels of performance for each skill item. Correlation coefficients demonstrated high construct validity (.95), internal consistency (.95) and inter-rater reliability (.99) of the scale. This reliable and valid instrument can be used for implementing and maintaining the intervention, program quality assurance, and staff training.
