Improving relationship education to reduce HIV rates among sexual and gender minorities

Effectiveness of Relationship Education for Reducing HIV Incidence in Men Who Have Sex With Men

NA · Northwestern University · NCT05678556

This study is testing a new relationship education program to see if it can help reduce HIV rates among gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals who are in relationships with cisgender men.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 34 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05678556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance an existing relationship education and HIV prevention program specifically for gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals who partner with cisgender men. It will involve a randomized controlled trial with 5000 HIV-negative participants, half of whom will be partnered. Participants will complete online surveys, undergo testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and engage with an upgraded web app that provides relationship education and HIV prevention strategies. The study will follow participants for 24 months to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include HIV-negative cisgender men, transgender individuals, and non-binary people aged 16-34 who have had condomless anal sex with multiple partners.

Not a fit: Patients assigned female at birth who identify as women will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce HIV incidence and improve relationship dynamics among sexual and gender minorities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using relationship education to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cisgender men, transgender women and men, non-binary individuals
* Had condomless anal sex with 2 or more serodiscordant/unknown-status cisgender male partners in the last 6 months
* Aged 16-34 years
* Lab-test confirmed HIV-negative
* Read and speak English at 8th grade level or better
* Internet access
* Agree to audio recording of intervention sessions
* Provides address to receive HIV/STI test supplies
* For dyads, both partners may enroll if they meet the above criteria- partners who are aged 35+ and/or HIV-positive may enroll in a more limited capacity

Exclusion Criteria:

-Participants assigned female at birth who identify as women are not eligible

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hiv, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.