Faculty Collaboration Database

Effects of a social network HIV/STD prevention intervention for MSM in Russia and Hungary: a randomized controlled trial. AIDS 2015 Mar 13;29(5):583-93

Date

01/08/2015

Pubmed ID

25565495

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4497559

DOI

10.1097/QAD.0000000000000558

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84926514211 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   40 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test a novel social network HIV risk-reduction intervention for MSM in Russia and Hungary, where same-sex behavior is stigmatized and men may best be reached through their social network connections.

DESIGN: A two-arm trial with 18 sociocentric networks of MSM randomized to the social network intervention or standard HIV/STD testing/counseling.

SETTING: St. Petersburg, Russia and Budapest, Hungary.

PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen 'seeds' from community venues invited the participation of their MSM friends who, in turn, invited their own MSM friends into the study, a process that continued outward until eighteen three-ring sociocentric networks (mean size = 35 members, n = 626) were recruited.

INTERVENTION: Empirically identified network leaders were trained and guided to convey HIV prevention advice to other network members.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Changes in sexual behavior from baseline to 3-month and 12-month follow-up, with composite HIV/STD incidence, measured at 12 months to corroborate behavior changes.

RESULTS: There were significant reductions between baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up in the intervention versus comparison arm for proportion of men engaging in any unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) (P = 0.04); UAI with a nonmain partner (P = 0.04); and UAI with multiple partners (P = 0.002). The mean percentage of unprotected anal intercourse acts significantly declined (P = 0.001), as well as the mean number of UAI acts among men who initially had multiple partners (P = 0.05). Biological HIV/STD incidence was 15% in comparison condition networks and 9% in intervention condition networks.

CONCLUSION: Even where same-sex behavior is stigmatized, it is possible to reach MSM and deliver HIV prevention through their social networks.

Author List

Amirkhanian YA, Kelly JA, Takacs J, McAuliffe TL, Kuznetsova AV, Toth TP, Mocsonaki L, DiFranceisco WJ, Meylakhs A

Authors

Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy L. McAuliffe PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Behavior Therapy
Disease Transmission, Infectious
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Hungary
Male
Russia
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Social Support
Young Adult