Mitigating the Impact of Stigma and Shame Among MSM Living With HIV and Substance Use Disorders

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jun 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called MATTER, which aims to help men who have sex with men (MSM) and gender minority individuals living with HIV and substance use disorders (SUDs). Many people in these groups face stigma and shame, which can make it harder for them to get the care they need to manage their HIV and improve their health. The MATTER program consists of five virtual sessions that focus on building self-care skills, increasing awareness of emotions, and promoting self-compassion. The goal is to reduce the negative effects of stigma and shame, making it easier for participants to engage in HIV care and achieve viral suppression, which means keeping the virus at low levels in their bodies.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, identify as MSM or a gender minority who has sex with men, and be living with HIV and a substance use disorder. They should also be experiencing feelings of stigma related to their HIV status or sexual orientation. Participants will need to communicate in English or Spanish and have access to a cell phone for text communication. The study is currently not recruiting, but it will take place in areas with varying levels of HIV resources, such as Boston and Miami. If you or someone you know fits these criteria, this trial could provide valuable support and resources for managing health and reducing stigma.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • HIV+
• • MSM or gender minority individuals who report having sex with men
• • Meet criteria for an illicit (not solely including tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) SUD
• • Endorse internalized stigma related to HIV, substance use, sexual orientation, or gender-identity
• • Unsuppressed HIV VL (\>20 copies/mL).
• • Provide informed consent in English
• • Verbally communicate in English and read in English or Spanish
• • Be ≥18 years old
• • Provide evidence or documentation of HIV+ status
• • Release HIV-related health records
• • Have access to a cell phone with text capacity (study will supplement phones and plans as needed consistent with our pilot work).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cisgender women
• • Cisgender heterosexual men