Examining how alcohol affects sexual decision-making and testing an intervention
Official title: Alcohol and "Heat of the Moment" Sexual Decision Making Among MSM: Identifying Mechanisms of Sexual Risk and Promoting Behavior Change Through Brief Intervention
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT05729256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 354 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2, 2023 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05729256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are HIV-infected, currently using PrEP, or in exclusive monogamous relationships may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While there have been limited interventions addressing alcohol in sexual risk reduction, this study's specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.