Expanding the Potential of Couples HIV Testing: Adjunct Modules to Reduce Drug Use Among Vulnerable Male Couples

Launched by HUNTER COLLEGE OF CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK · Aug 3, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at ways to improve HIV testing and counseling for male couples while also addressing substance use issues. The study will explore the effectiveness of two additional support tools: a video that teaches communication skills and a module focusing on substance use. Participants will be divided into four groups to see how these tools impact their experience with couples HIV testing and counseling.

To be eligible for this trial, one partner in the couple needs to be between 17 and 29 years old, and both must have been in a relationship for at least three months. One partner must be HIV negative, and the other must have used drugs in the past 90 days and engaged in risky behaviors regarding HIV transmission. Participants will need to live in the New York City or Detroit areas and speak English. If you join the study, you can expect to receive either the standard counseling or additional resources that could help improve your understanding and communication about HIV and substance use.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • · Have a main partner who is another male and have been in a relationship for 3 month or longer
• • One participant must be between 17 and 29; Main partner can be any age above 17.
• • One participant must be HIV negative (as confirmed by rapid test)
• • One participant must have used at least 1 drug in the past 90 days (cocaine/crack, opiates, misuse of prescription medication, stimulants, psychedelics, ecstasy, ketamine, GHB)
• • One participant must have engaged in Transmission Risk Behavior (TRB) in the past 90 days
• • o Defined as Condom-less Anal Sex (CAS) with a casual partner and/or CAS with a non-monogamous or serodiscordant main partner
• • Live in the NYC or Detroit metropolitan area
• • Speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • · Any signs of serious mental illness or cognitive deficit
• • History of IPV with their main partner and safety concerns in the current relationship.