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A Group-Based Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention for Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy

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Abstract

An emerging HIV epidemic can be seen among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam. There are currently no evidence-based behavioral sexual risk reduction interventions for MSM in this setting. Between October 2012 and June 2013, 100 high-risk MSM from Ho Chi Minh City were enrolled in an open pilot trial to assess feasibility and acceptability of a group-based, manualized sexual risk reduction intervention, and to preliminarily examine changes in primary and secondary outcomes. Participants completed a behavioral assessment battery and HIV testing at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-baseline. Over 80.0 % of the sample was <25 years old and 77.0 % identified as Bong kin (“hidden,” masculine-appearing). Feasibility and acceptability of the program was evidenced by 87.0 % retention for the intervention sessions, 78.0 % completion of the 6 month assessment, and positive responses on evaluation forms and qualitative exit interviews. There was a decline in the number of condomless anal sex acts from baseline (6.32) to 3 month (2.06) and 6 month (2.49) follow-up (p < .0001). These data support the need for further testing of this group-based, behavioral HIV prevention intervention to reduce sexual risk behavior among MSM in Vietnam in a randomized controlled efficacy trial.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology and Behavioral & Social Health Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA

    Matthew J. Mimiaga & Katie B. Biello

  2. Institute for Community Health Promotion, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Matthew J. Mimiaga & Katie B. Biello

  3. Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Matthew J. Mimiaga & Catherine E. Oldenburg

  4. The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Matthew J. Mimiaga, Elizabeth F. Closson, Katie B. Biello, Steven A. Safren & Kenneth H. Mayer

  5. Department of Social and Environmental Health, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

    Elizabeth F. Closson

  6. Harvard AIDS Initiative in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Huyen Nguyen & Quan Hoang Nguyen

  7. Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Quan Hoang Nguyen & Donn J. Colby

  8. The Life Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Hang Thi Xuan Lan

  9. Department of Psychology, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Steven A. Safren

  10. Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Kenneth H. Mayer

Authors
  1. Matthew J. Mimiaga
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  2. Elizabeth F. Closson
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  3. Katie B. Biello
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  4. Huyen Nguyen
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  5. Quan Hoang Nguyen
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  6. Catherine E. Oldenburg
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  7. Hang Thi Xuan Lan
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  8. Steven A. Safren
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  9. Kenneth H. Mayer
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  10. Donn J. Colby
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Correspondence to Matthew J. Mimiaga.

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Mimiaga, M.J., Closson, E.F., Biello, K.B. et al. A Group-Based Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention for Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy. Arch Sex Behav 45, 1493–1500 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0663-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0663-5

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