The SPOT Project : Motivational Interviewing in Conjunction With Rapid HIV Testing

In Canada, the prevalence and incidence of HIV remain high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Moreover, epidemiological data show that a significant proportion of transmission can be attributed people who are unaware of their HIV status. To address these challenges, HIV testing has the potential to be a major prevention strategy. Indeed, the combination of testing and treatment (test \& treat) is now seen to be one of the most promising strategies in terms of its potential contribution to the eradication of HIV.

To maximize testing among MSM, it has been recommended that services be diversified by offering HIV testing in close proximity to areas where people most at risk for HIV reside and socialize. Rapid HIV testing can also help reduce barriers in access to testing by reaching those most at risk more effectively in non-traditional venues. In addition, testing offers an excellent opportunity and psycho-affective context within which to provide individualized counseling in order to explore preventive practices and testing routines.

Since July 2009, the SPOT project has combined a number of strategies (testing services in close proximity to a residential area; free, anonymous, and rapid HIV testing; individualized preventive counseling) in an original way at an innovative community site located in the heart of Montreal's Gay Village. In the first phase of the study, standard counseling (SC) based on Quebec guidelines for rapid HIV testing was used. During the second, counseling based on a motivational interviewing approach (MIC) was developed and has been provided to participants since May 2011.

Taking advantage of the existing infrastructure, the objective of the current phase of the study is to assess the short and medium term impact of MIC and its cognitive determinants in comparison to SC. The occurrence of at-risk anal intercourse (unprotected anal sex with an HIV-positive partner or partner of unknown HIV status) will be measured at baseline and followed over six months. Four cognitive determinants of at-risk anal sex will also be measured: the importance that participants accord to taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from HIV, perceived personal efficacy in achieving this, intention to do so, and the extent to which participants have planned to do so.

To achieve this objective, a 24 months randomized trial will be implemented SPOT's community site. Participants who present for HIV testing will be randomized between the two conditions, MIC and SC, alternated at a ratio of 1/1 (experimental condition: MIC offered by a community worker; control condition: SC offered by a nurse). Outcome measures will be collected by means of questionnaires. Four measurement times are planned. A baseline questionnaire will be administered prior to pre-test counseling at the start of the initial visit. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (T0), and in follow-up questionnaires administered after post-test counseling at the end of the initial visit (T1), at 3 months after the initial visit (T2) and at 6 months after the initial visit (T3). Target enrolment at T0 is 900, for a final sample of 508 participants at T3, representing 254 participants per group (MIC, SC). Mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the integrity of both MIC and SC interventions as well as to retain participants and involve community members in the research process.

In the wake of the recommendations of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, this study will provide data on the effectiveness of different forms of preventive counseling tailored for use in conjunction with rapid HIV testing. If MIC proves to be effective, the training and clinical supervision offered to intervention staff as well as the tools and quality control procedures developed during the implementation of this approach to counseling will be made available in other settings where testing is offered. Important lessons may also be learned with regards to the organization of services and the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of this type of HIV prevention infrastructure. Ultimately, this study will contribute to efforts to more effectively combat the HIV epidemic amongst MSM in Canada and reduce the direct and indirect costs associated with HIV in these communities.