Alcohol and "Heat of the Moment" Sexual Decision Making

Launched by BOSTON UNIVERSITY CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS · Feb 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how heavy drinking affects sexual decision-making, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM). The study aims to understand how alcohol influences the choice to engage in condomless anal intercourse, which is a significant way that HIV is transmitted. Researchers will also test a brief intervention designed to help reduce risky sexual behaviors among those who drink heavily.

To participate in this trial, you need to be a cisgender man aged 18 or older who has had condomless anal intercourse in the past three months and engages in heavy drinking. Participants should also have a smartphone. However, if you are HIV-positive, using PrEP (a medication to prevent HIV), or have certain mental health conditions, you would not be eligible to join. If you decide to participate, you can expect to be part of a study that looks closely at your experiences and behaviors related to alcohol and sex, with the goal of helping to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 18 years of age
• • Cisgender man who has had condomless anal intercourse with another man in the past 3 months
• • Engaged in heavy drinking (assessed by either weekly National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines \[\> 14 for men\], and/or a heavy drinking episode in the past month \[\> 4 drinks on an occasion\])
• • Has a smartphone
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • HIV-infection
• • Currently using PrEP
• • In an exclusive monogamous sexual relationship
• • History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or current suicidal intent
• • Current treatment for alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder
• • Unable to provide one or more individuals who can serve as an alternate contact