• Self-reported sexual risk taking [ Time Frame: Measured pre- and post-treatment and after 6 and 9 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent the largest group of new HIV infections. Rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in MSM have been estimated to be higher than in the rest of the population, with some researchers estimating that 37% of all MSM have experienced CSA. CSA in MSM is associated with both higher rates of HIV risk behavior and higher rates of HIV infection. Treatments for preventing HIV are also less likely to be effective in MSM with a history of CSA, and these individuals tend to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study will create and then test a new HIV prevention therapy that addresses both HIV risk behaviors and the co-occurring psychological health problems in MSM with a history of CSA.

This study includes a pilot phase and an experimental phase. In the pilot phase, the therapeutic treatment will be developed based on elements of successful interventions for reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors and PTSD symptoms. Information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) skills training for sexual risk reduction will be the basis for one of two treatment components, and it is expected to last for two 50-minute sessions. This intervention will include addressing knowledge about issues surrounding sexual risk, using motivational interviewing to address goals and self-efficacy, and providing strategies for behavioral change. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for CSA will be the basis for the other component and is expected to last for eight 50-minute sessions. Elements of this intervention will include identifying sexual abuse events, learning how to identify cognitive distortions, and learning processes to challenge and process these distortions.

During the pilot phase, approximately 10 participants will undergo the new treatment. After completing the treatment sessions, participants will undergo exit interviews, in which researchers will solicit feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the treatment. This feedback will be used to fine tune the treatment.

During the second phase of the study, approximately 50 individuals will be randomly assigned to either receive the newly developed treatment or partake in a standard HIV risk reduction program. The exact number of sessions for treatment has not been finalized, nor have the exact treatment procedures. Participants will undergo assessments before and after treatment and at follow-up visits 6 and 9 months after enrollment. These assessments will measure sexual risk behaviors, PTSD symptoms, distress, social support, and substance abuse. After all IMB sessions are completed, a set of questionnaires about sexual behavior will be administered, and after each CPT session, participants will complete measures of distress.