Randomized trial to reduce club drug use and HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2009 Aug;77(4):645-56. doi: 10.1037/a0015588.

Abstract

The authors examined the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) on club drug use and risky sex in non-treatment-seeking men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM (N = 150) were assessed and randomly assigned to 4 sessions of MI or an educational control intervention. Follow-up occurred at quarterly intervals for 1 year. Primary outcomes were days of any club drug use and number of unsafe sex acts. On average, club drug use declined during follow-up. A significant interaction effect showed that MI was associated with less club drug use during follow-up compared with education but only among participants with lower severity of drug dependence (p < .02; small to medium effect size). MI did not result in a significant reduction in risky sex relative to education. The results support the use of MI targeting club drug use in at-risk or mildly dependent users not seeking treatment but not in more severely dependent users. MI does not appear effective in reducing risky sexual behavior in this population.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • New York City
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex / prevention & control*
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs