Testing the Effectiveness of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk and Drug Use in Young Sexual Minority Men in a Community-Based Organization Setting

Younger sexual minority men (YSMM) remain at high risk for HIV infection and substance use increases this risk. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a (4-session) motivational interviewing (MI) intervention to reduce substance use and sexual risk taking when delivered at two community-based organizations (CBOs) in the New York City metropolitan area. Participants included 86 YSMM aged 15–29 who reported recent sexual HIV transmission risk and substance use. Overall, 86% of the sample identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Within each CBO, participants were randomized to receive either the MI intervention or enhanced treatment as usual (an HIV testing session plus PrEP information and referrals to CBO services). Contrary to hypotheses, results provided no indication that the MI intervention was associated with reductions in substance use (alcohol, cannabis, or other illicit drug use) or sexual risk taking or current PrEP use. Results are discussed in terms of challenges in real world intervention implementation, study enrollment, and the COVID-19 pandemic.