Explore
An Evidence-Based Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
The Explore intervention provides one-on-one counseling sessions to HIV-seronegative men who have sex with men (MSM) to prevent HIV infection and reduce unprotected sexual behavior. Participants are recruited from dance clubs, bars, bathhouses, health clubs, internet sites, and clinics. During 10 core counseling sessions participants establish rapport with the counselor and cover topics such as sexual communication, knowledge of HIV serostatus when making sexual decisions, and the role of alcohol and drug use in risk behavior. The sessions also build skills to modify risky behavior and cope with triggers of unsafe sex. The program uses a skill model focused on information, motivation, and behavior and includes goal setting, counseling, and condom supply. After the initial intervention HIV testing and counseling is provided every six months, and seven follow-up counseling sessions are delivered every three months.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Explore study is to prevent HIV infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men.
Results / Accomplishments
At 12- and 18-month follow-ups the over 2,000 men involved in the Explore intervention group were significantly less likely to report any unprotected anal sex, serodiscordant unprotected anal sex, and serodiscordant receptive anal sex than men receiving a standard comparison intervention (p < 0.001). Men in the intervention group also saw an 18% reduction in HIV incidence, but this was not statistically significant over the control group.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
HIV Prevention Trials Network
Primary Contact
No current contact information available
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Health / Men's Health
Health / Men's Health
Organization(s)
HIV Prevention Trials Network
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date of publication
2004
Date of implementation
1999
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Adults
Additional Audience
MSM