Electronic intervention for substance abuse and HIV prevention in men who have sex with men in Argentina

Integration of Electronic SBI(RT) Into an HIV Testing Program to Reduce Substance Use and HIV Risk Behavior Among MSM in Argentina

Not applicable Interventional Florida State University · NCT05542914

This study is testing a new tablet-based program to help men who have sex with men in Argentina reduce substance use and risky sexual behaviors while getting HIV testing.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorFlorida State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Buenos Aires)
Trial IDNCT05542914 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and pilot an electronic Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (e-SBI-RT) program specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking HIV testing at Nexo Asociacion Civil in Buenos Aires. The program will utilize a tablet-based approach that integrates substance use and sexual risk behavior assessments with tailored Motivational Interviewing (MI). The study will be conducted in two stages: the first stage focuses on developing the e-SBI and training counselors, while the second stage involves a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention among participants. Additionally, the study will assess the effectiveness of a four-session MI-based intervention aimed at reducing substance use and risky sexual behaviors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men who have sex with men, aged 18 and older, who are seeking an HIV test and report problematic substance use.

Not a fit: Patients who are in need of acute detoxification or have a history of severe withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve access to treatment for substance use and reduce HIV transmission among MSM.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar electronic interventions for substance use and HIV prevention, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants in Stage 1 Focus Groups (FGs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs):

  1. Man who has had sex with men in the past 6 months;
  2. 18 years of age or older;
  3. Recently sought an HIV test at Nexo;
  4. Reports using drugs least once per month in the past 6 months and/or score 4 or greater on the AUDIT C, suggesting moderate risk alcohol use.

Participants in Stage 1 e-SBI pilot and the Stage 2 RCT:

1. Man who has had sex with men in the past 6 months
2. 18 years of age or older;
3. Currently seeking an HIV test at Nexo

Additional inclusion criteria for MHP entry:

1. Score of moderate or high risk drug or alcohol use based on the ASSIST and AUDIT, respectively

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion Criteria for MHP entry:

  1. be in need of acute detoxification, as demonstrated by physical withdrawal symptoms or a history of withdrawal, such as previous delirium tremens or seizures
  2. reported regular use of opioids
  3. enrolled in concurrent drug- or alcohol-related treatment.

Where this trial is running

Buenos Aires

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Substance AbuseHIVSBIRTHIV PreventionMSM
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.