An intervention to help Black sexual minority men cope with discrimination
Still Climbin': A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Coping, Medical Mistrust, and Healthcare Engagement Among Black Sexual Minority Men
This study is testing a group therapy program to see if it can help Black sexual minority men better cope with discrimination and feel more comfortable using healthcare services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 370 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Rand Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04587869 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study involves a randomized controlled trial of an 8-session cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) group intervention aimed at improving coping strategies among Black sexual minority men facing discrimination and medical mistrust. Developed in collaboration with community stakeholders, the intervention provides a supportive environment for participants to discuss barriers to healthcare and enhance their engagement with health services. Participants will be followed for 12 months, with their health care engagement and receipt of preventive care assessed through surveys and medical records. A total of 370 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention or a no-treatment control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Black/African American men, aged 18 and older, who have had sexual contact with men in the past 24 months and reside in Los Angeles County.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include cisgender women, transgender women, and transgender men, as well as individuals unable to provide informed consent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve healthcare engagement and coping mechanisms for Black sexual minority men, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions targeting similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Biologically male at birth * Identify as male * Self-identify as a Black/African American * Report having sex with men in the past 24 months * Anticipate being in Los Angeles County and available for the next 12 months to attend study visits * Able to interact and communicate in written and spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling/Unable to provide informed consent * Cisgender women * Transgender women * Transgender men
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- APLA Health — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Bogart, PhD — Rand
- Study coordinator: Laura Bogart, PhD
- Email: lbogart@rand.org
- Phone: (310) 393-0411
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.