An Integrated Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk Behaviors Among Heterosexual HIV-Negative, African American Couples:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Synergistic interactions between substance use and violence (SAVA syndemic) increase HIV risk in African Americans.
• Existing couple-based interventions have not specifically addressed SAVA syndemic risk reduction for HIV-negative, high-risk, heterosexual African American couples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects of an integrated sexual risk reduction intervention for African American couples.
• To assess the intervention's impact on condomless sex, substance use, HIV testing discussions, PrEP awareness, and relationship satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving ten African American couples participating in eight cognitive behavioral couple therapy sessions delivered via Zoom.
• Data collected through baseline and post-intervention surveys and interviews.
• Statistical analyses included Cochran-Armitage test of trend and Fisher Exact test.

Main Results:

• The intervention was feasible and highly acceptable, with participants valuing therapist-client matching and session structure.
• Significant reductions observed in condomless vaginal intercourse frequency and male substance use before sex.
• Significant increases noted in PrEP awareness and male engagement in HIV testing discussions with partners.
• Participants reported significant improvements in relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The integrated intervention shows promise for reducing HIV risk behaviors and improving sexual health outcomes in high-risk African American couples.
• Feasibility and positive preliminary results support the need for a larger clinical trial to further evaluate this intervention.