Examining how alcohol affects sexual decision-making and testing an intervention
Alcohol and "Heat of the Moment" Sexual Decision Making Among MSM: Identifying Mechanisms of Sexual Risk and Promoting Behavior Change Through Brief Intervention
NA · Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT05729256
This study tests how drinking alcohol affects sexual choices and tries a new method to help men who have sex with men make safer decisions about sex.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 354 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05729256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and sexual decision-making, particularly focusing on condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM). It aims to understand how alcohol and arousal influence risky sexual behaviors in real-life situations. The study employs an experience sampling method to gather data and tests a brief intervention designed to reduce alcohol use and its impact on sexual risk-taking. By addressing these factors, the research seeks to develop effective strategies for HIV prevention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cisgender men aged 18 and older who have engaged in condomless anal intercourse and heavy drinking in the past three months.
Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-infected, currently using PrEP, or in exclusive monogamous relationships may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved behavioral interventions that reduce HIV transmission risk among heavy drinking MSM.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited interventions addressing alcohol in sexual risk reduction, this study's specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years of age * Cisgender man who has had condomless anal intercourse with another man in the past 3 months * Engaged in heavy drinking (assessed by either weekly National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines \[\> 14 for men\], and/or a heavy drinking episode in the past month \[\> 4 drinks on an occasion\]) * Has a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * HIV-infection * Currently using PrEP * In an exclusive monogamous sexual relationship * History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or current suicidal intent * Current treatment for alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder * Unable to provide one or more individuals who can serve as an alternate contact
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tibor Palfai, PhD — Boston University
- Study coordinator: Tibor Palfai, PhD
- Email: palfai@bu.edu
- Phone: 6173539345
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.
Conditions: Alcohol Drinking, Sex, Unsafe, Hiv