Project Power: An HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women (BMSM/W)

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 2; Phase 1

Conditions: Risk Reduction; Unsafe Sex

Treatments: Behavioral: PROJECT POWER; Behavioral: Power Health

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01376895

POWER

5UR6PS0011095 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this study is to develop and test a program to help Black men who have sex with men and women reduce their chances of getting or giving HIV infection to their sex partners. The program is designed to be delivered via the internet so that it would be available to more men. Men who agree to participate in the study will be assigned by chance to receive the POWER intervention or a similar program that is focused on general health called POWER-HEALTH. They will also complete a computer administered interview when they first enroll in the study, 2 weeks following the last session of the program and 3 months after that. Participants will receive a small compensation for their time and effort.

Full description

The purpose of this study is to examine the preliminary efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of delivering a culturally and developmentally tailored HIV risk reduction intervention via the Internet in real-time that promotes risk reduction among black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW). During the Developmental Phase, our activities will consist of completing development (finalizing sessions, completing the manuals) of a theoretically grounded, culturally based, individual intervention, Project POWER, to reduce risk of HIV acquisition and transmission among BMSMW.

The investigators will then conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the preliminary efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of POWER compared to HEALTH. Using chain referral methods, the investigators will recruit 200 BMSMW (100 per arm) and assign them to 1 of 2 conditions (POWER or HEALTH). Participants will complete an assessment battery delivered via ACASI at baseline, immediate post intervention and at 3 months post intervention. The investigators will also measure uptake of HIV and STI testing. Participants will also complete acceptability/feasibility assessments after the

Enrollment: 211 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Self identify as Black or African descent
• At least 18 years of age
• Resident of Chicago MSA
• Sexually active with men and women

Exclusion criteria

• Previously participated in the study
• Identify as transgendered

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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211 participants in 2 patient groups

POWER

Experimental group

Description:

Power is a 3 session intervention delivered through the internet in real time by a trained health educator. It focuses on reducing HIV risk. Each session last from 1 to 2 hours.

Treatment:

Behavioral: PROJECT POWER

Power Health

Active Comparator group

Description:

Power Health is a 1 session general health promotion program designed to be delivered via the internet in real time by a trained health educator. The sessions focus on healthy life styles, cardiovascular health, and prostate health. Participants also receive information regarding safe sex.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Power Health