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HIVPhase 2ES-HIMNCT01641146

An HIV Intervention for Black Men at Risk - The Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM)

A Phase 2 study testing Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM) and Health Promotion (HP) Comparison Arm in people with HIV and Depression, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 4 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

HIV continues to spread among Black men who have sex with men (MSM), but few interventions target high-risk Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). Black MSMW with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be an especially vulnerable population for: a) high-risk sexual behaviors; b) negative… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
HIV, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
What is being tested?
Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM) and Health Promotion (HP) Comparison Arm
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
118 participants
Where
4 sitesUnited States
Study dates
Dec 2008to May 2011
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Male
  • English speaking
  • HIV-positive
  • non-gay identifying
  • Black/African American
  • Sexually active and engaged in unprotected anal and/or vaginal sex with both a male and female partner in the previous 90 days
  • Have a history of child sexual abuse

Who cannot join

  • Younger than 18 years of age
  • Female
  • Non-English speaking
  • HIV-negative or unknown HIV-serostatus
  • Race/Ethnicity other than Black / African American
  • Not sexually active, uses condoms and/or lacks both male and female partners in past 90 days
  • No history of child sexual abuse

Trial locations and contacts

4 sites in 1 country.

United States4 sites
  • The AmASSI Health and Cultural Center

    Inglewood, California, 90301

  • Palms Residential Care Facility

    Los Angeles, California, 90003

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

    Los Angeles, California, 90024

  • JWCH Institute Inc.

    Los Angeles, California, 90026

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: An HIV Intervention for Black Men at Risk

HIV continues to spread among Black men who have sex with men (MSM), but few interventions target high-risk Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). Black MSMW with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be an especially vulnerable population for: a) high-risk sexual behaviors; b) negative psychological sequelae (e.g., depressive or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms); and c) neurobiological abnormalities in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and/or immune systems (e.g., cortisol and norepinephrine), and HIV/AIDS progression. The purpose of this study was to test an HIV risk reduction intervention, guided by the Social Learning Theory, the Ecological Model, and the concept of allostatic load, a composite of the cumulative effects of stress on biological systems including psychoneuroimmunologic markers. The investigators tested the 6-session Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM) on 88 non-gay identifying HIV-positive Black MSMW with histories of CSA. The outcomes were to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors (i.e., unprotected anal and vaginal sex and number of sex partners) and negative psychological symptoms of depression and PTSD. Links between these outcomes and biomarkers of stress were also explored. Randomization to either the ES-HIM or a health promotion control group occurred with study participants assessed at baseline, post, 3- and 6-months.

Read the detailed description

The purpose of this small randomized clinical trial was to develop and test the Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM), designed for non-gay identifying HIV-positive African American MSMW with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The investigators compared ES-HIM to an attention matched general Health Promotion intervention (HP) on efficacy in reducing: a) sexual risk behaviors (i.e., unprotected anal and vaginal sex and number of sex partners); b) psychological symptoms of PTSD and depression; and c) a biological composite of primary neurohormonal mediators of the stress response (cortisol and catecholamines). The investigators also explored the intervention effects on neopterin, an indicator of HIV disease progression, as an outcome.

Project Aims

  1. To determine the impact of the ES-HIM intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among non-gay identifying HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) who have histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The investigators hypothesize that compared to the Health Promotion comparison condition, the ES-HIM condition will be more effective in decreasing unprotected anal and vaginal sex (i.e., increase condom use) and number of sexual partners at immediate post-intervention and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention.
  2. To determine the impact of the ES-HIM intervention on negative psychological symptoms over time among non-gay identifying HIV-positive African American MSMW who have histories of CSA. The investigators hypothesized that compared to the Health Promotion condition, the ES-HIM condition will be more effective in decreasing depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms at immediate post-intervention and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention.

In addition to these aims, the investigators also explored associations between HIV sexual risk behaviors (i.e., unprotected anal and vaginal sex), negative psychological symptoms (i.e., depressive \& posttraumatic stress symptoms) and biomarkers of allostatic load over time among ES-HIM participants.

Research Methods

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) ES-HIM Project was a 4-year study conducted from 2007-2011 to develop and test an HIV risk and stress reduction intervention. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for the protection of human subjects in research at UCLA and a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were obtained.

Intervention Procedures

HIV-positive African American MSMW were recruited through fliers posted at participating community-based organizations, as well as through outreach at community events, bars, clubs, and other locations where the target population may be present. Once interested potential participants were screened and deemed eligible, informed consent was obtained. After informed consent, participants were asked to complete a baseline survey, as well as complete locator forms. Upon completion of the baseline survey, participants were randomized into the ES-HIM active intervention group or the Health Promotion control condition. Both the ES-HIM and the Health Promotion included six sessions, with each session lasting two hours; two sessions were administered per week for three consecutive weeks. The primary aims of the ES-HIM intervention were to increase condom use and decrease symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress. Within these six, 120-minute sessions, active ES-HIM intervention participants had the opportunity to discuss their sexual experiences and issues of masculinity and stigma associated with being African American, HIV-positive, and a non-gay identifying MSMW. The Health Promotion condition focused on improving general health and concentrated on diet, exercise, relaxation/sleep hygiene, and medication adherence. Both the ES-HIM and Health Promotion curricula were delivered by trained Facilitators.

Data Collection

Enrolled participants were administered surveys via Audio-Computer Assisted Self Interview (A-CASI) at four time points: baseline, immediate post-intervention (upon completion of the sixth ES-HIM or Health Promotion session), and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Also, participants were asked to provide 12-hour urine collections for biomarkers of stress and a one time urine sample for neopterin at baseline and 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Non-urinary biomarkers, including height and weight (body mass index), heart rate, blood pressure, and waist-to-hip ratio measurements were collected at these same time points. Data collection (i.e., survey administration, urine container drop-off, and non-urinary biomarker measurements) were administered in confidential settings at collaborative community agencies and/or UCLA.

Being tested
Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM), Health Promotion (HP) Comparison Arm
Keywords
HIV risk reduction, Stress reduction, Trauma reduction, PTSD
Medical subject headings
Depression, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM)Behavioural

    Also called ES-HIM

    ES-HIM is a six-session intervention for HIV-positive Black bisexual men who have histories of child sexual abuse. Guided by cognitive behavioral approaches and an ecological framework, ES-HIM effects sexual behavior change and psychological health improvement. Sexual risk reduction is framed from the perspective of being a triple minority (i.e., HIV-positive, ethnic and sexual minority). Issues of stigma and social isolation were discussed in regard to these identities. Sexual ownership focusing on individual responsibility for one's health and well-being was prioritized along with caring for sexual partners, family and community. Decisions regarding sexual behaviors and consequences were framed within a culturally congruent social context. Topics included: 1) the influence of gender and ethnicity; (2) early socialization regarding gender and culture, as well as adult experiences; (3) HIV stigma; and (4) recognizing stressors, including histories of personal trauma.

  • Health Promotion (HP) Comparison ArmBehavioural

    Also called HP

    Health Promotion Intervention (HP) is the comparison arm. It is designed to control for the Hawthorne effect and reduce the likelihood that effects of ES-HIM could be attributed to special attention and group interaction. HP addresses health issues, including certain cancers, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which are common among African American men, but did not focus on sexual behavior. Participants were taught that these diseases could be prevented by changing personal behaviors (e.g., increasing physical activity and healthy dietary practices, ceasing cigarette smoking and alcohol and drug abuse), or managed with early detection and screening behaviors.

Study groups in NCT01641146
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for MenExperimentalES-HIM is a six-session intervention for HIV-positive Black bisexual men who have histories of child sexual abuse. Guided by cognitive behavioral approaches and an ecological framework, ES-HIM effects sexual behavior change and psychological health improvement. Sexual risk reduction is framed from the perspective of being a triple minority (i.e., HIV-positive, ethnic and sexual minority). Issues of stigma and social isolation were discussed in regard to these identities. Sexual ownership focusing on individual responsibility for one's health and well-being was prioritized along with caring for sexual partners, family and community. Decisions regarding sexual behaviors and consequences were framed within a culturally congruent social context. Topics included: 1) the influence of gender and ethnicity; (2) early socialization regarding gender and culture, as well as adult experiences; (3) HIV stigma; and (4) recognizing stressors, including histories of personal trauma.
Receives: Behavioral: Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM)
Health Promotion (HP) Comparison ArmActive comparatorHealth Promotion Intervention (HP) is the comparison arm. It is designed to control for the Hawthorne effect and reduce the likelihood that effects of ES-HIM could be attributed to special attention and group interaction. HP addresses health issues, including certain cancers, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which are common among African American men, but did not focus on sexual behavior. Participants were taught that these diseases could be prevented by changing personal behaviors (e.g., increasing physical activity and healthy dietary practices, ceasing cigarette smoking and alcohol and drug abuse), or managed with early detection and screening behaviors.
Receives: Behavioral: Health Promotion (HP) Comparison Arm

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Sexual Risk Behavior Change Over Time - At Three Post Intervention Assessments

    To determine the impact of the ES-HIM intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among non-gay identifying HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) who have histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The investigators hypothesized that compared to the Health Promotion comparison condition, the ES-HIM condition will be more effective in decreasing unprotected anal and vaginal sex (i.e., increase condom use) and number of sexual partners at immediate post-intervention and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and Immediate post, and 3-and 6-months post intervention

  2. Mental Health Outcome Change Over Time - At Three Post Intervention Assessments

    To determine the impact of the ES-HIM intervention on negative psychological symptoms over time among non-gay identifying HIV-positive African American MSMW who have histories of CSA. The investigators hypothesized that compared to the Health Promotion condition, the ES-HIM condition will be more effective in decreasing depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at immediate post-intervention and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and Immediate post, and 3-and 6-months post intervention

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Associations between Sexual Risk Behaviors, Mental Health Outcomes and Biomarkers - Changes At Two Post Intervention Assessments

    Associations between HIV sexual risk behaviors (i.e., unprotected anal and vaginal sex), negative psychological symptoms (i.e., depressive \& posttraumatic stress symptoms) and biomarkers of allostatic load over time among ES-HIM participants will be explored.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 3-and 6-month post intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jul 2012 (estimated)
  2. Study startDec 2008
  3. Primary completionSep 2010
  4. Study completionMay 2011

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
118 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT01641146
Sponsor's protocol ID
11-000617
Other IDs
5R34MH077550
Acronym
ES-HIM
Status last verified
Nov 2016
First submitted
5 Jul 2012
Last updated
28 Nov 2016
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes

Publications

  • Glover DA, Williams JK, Kisler KA. Using novel methods to examine stress among HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men and women. J Behav Med. 2013 Jun;36(3):283-94. doi: 10.1007/s10865-012-9421-5. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

    PubMed 22538773
  • Williams JK, Glover DA, Wyatt GE, Kisler K, Liu H, Zhang M. A sexual risk and stress reduction intervention designed for HIV-positive bisexual African American men with childhood sexual abuse histories. Am J Public Health. 2013 Aug;103(8):1476-84. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301121. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

    PubMed 23763412

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM) and Health Promotion (HP) Comparison Arm in people with HIV and Depression, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 4 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Nov 2016. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 4 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Sexual Risk Behavior Change Over Time - At Three Post Intervention Assessments (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and Immediate post, and 3-and 6-months post intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01641146, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Nov 2016.

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