"Your Package Could Not Be Delivered": The State of Digital HIV Intervention Implementation in the US.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite continuous innovations and federal investment to create digital interventions addressing the HIV prevention and care continua, these interventions have not reached people in the U.S. at scale. This article reviews what is known about U.S. implementation of digital HIV interventions and presents a strategy to cross the research-to-practice chasm for these types of interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: We conducted a narrative review of U.S.-based original research on implementation of digital HIV interventions and identified few studies reporting on implementation determinants, strategies, processes, or outcomes, particularly outside the context of effectiveness trials. To supplement the literature, in 2023, we surveyed 47 investigators representing 64 unique interventions about their experiences with implementation after their research trials. Respondents placed high importance on intervention implementation, but major barriers included lack of funding and clear implementation models, technology costs, and difficulty identifying partners equipped to deliver digital interventions. They felt that responsibility for implementation should be shared between intervention developers, deliverers (e.g., clinics), and a government entity. If an implementation center were to exist, most respondents wanted to be available for guidance or technical assistance but largely wanted less involvement. Numerous evidence-based, effective digital interventions exist to address HIV prevention and care. However, they remain "on the shelf" absent a concrete and sustainable model for real-world dissemination and implementation. Based on our findings, we call for the creation of national implementation centers, analogous to those in other health systems, to facilitate digital HIV intervention delivery and accelerate progress toward ending the U.S. epidemic.

Rural-Urban Differences in HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV Service Utilization Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males in the United States.

In the United States, HIV prevalence is increasing in rural areas, specifically among rural adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). However, it is unclear what HIV sexual risk behaviors rural ASMM engage in and what HIV preventative services they utilize. This study aimed to (1) document the lifetime HIV sexual risk behaviors and service utilization of rural ASMM and (2) compare rural-urban differences in the prevalence of HIV sexual risk behaviors and service utilization. We analyzed data collected from 1615 ASMM who participated in a baseline survey for an online HIV prevention program from April 2018 to June 2020. We compared the prevalence of lifetime HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV healthcare utilization among rural and urban participants via descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, linear and logistic regressions, and zero-inflated Poisson regressions. These analyses indicated that rural ASMM were more likely than urban ASMM to engage in condomless sex when they had anal sex. Rural ASMM could benefit from offline and online evidence-based HIV prevention interventions, especially interventions that increase condom use.

Effectiveness of the SMART Sex Ed program among 13-18 year old English and Spanish speaking adolescent men who have sex with men.

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high HIV incidence and low utilization of testing and prevention services. However, very few HIV prevention programs exist that focus on the unique sexual health needs of AMSM. SMART is a stepped care package of eHealth interventions that comprehensively address the sexual and HIV prevention needs of AMSM. This study examines the impact of the first step of SMART, "SMART Sex Ed," on 13- to 18-year-old AMSM (n = 983) from baseline to three-month follow-up across 18 separate outcomes measuring HIV prevention attitudes, skills, and behaviors. We observed significant change from baseline to three-month post-intervention in nine HIV-related outcomes (e.g., receipt of HIV and STI test, HIV knowledge), as well as largely consistent effects across demographic subgroups (e.g., race, age, rural, low SES). Analyses observed no effects on condom use behaviors. SMART Sex Ed shows promise as an effective sexual health education program for diverse AMSM.

RESUMEN: Los adolescentes hombres que tienen sexo con otros hombres (AHSH) experimentan alta incidencia del VIH y baja utilización de servicios de prueba y prevención. Sin embargo, existen muy pocos programas de prevención del VIH enfocados en las necesidades particulares para la salud sexual de AHSH. SMART es un paquete de intervenciones de cuidado escalonado que usa plataformas electrónicas (eHealth) y que atiende de forma integrada las necesidades de salud sexual y prevención del VIH de AHSH. Este estudio examina el impacto de la primera etapa de SMART, llamada "SMART Sex Ed", entre AHSH (n = 983) entre las edades de 13 a 18 años e integra datos desde el reclutamiento con seguimiento cada 3 meses. Se recopilaron datos de 18 indicadores de actitudes, destrezas y prácticas de prevención del VIH (Ej. Historial de pruebas de VIH o ITS; conocimiento sobre VIH), así como los efectos en diferentes grupos demográficos (Ej. Raza, edad, área rural, y bajo nivel socioeconómico). Los análisis realizados demuestran que las características demográficas no tienen efecto en las prácticas de uso de condón. SMART Sex Ed es una intervención prometedora para educación sexual efectiva para AHSH.

"It's Very Inconvenient for Me": A Mixed-Method Study Assessing Barriers and Facilitators of Adolescent Sexual Minority Males Attending PrEP Follow-Up Appointments.

Researching PrEP retention in adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM) is critical to increasing persistence of PrEP in this priority population, yet this research is lacking. ASMM (N = 1433) completed a baseline survey for an online HIV prevention program between 2018 and 2020. Open- and closed-ended survey items identified their beliefs about attending 3-month PrEP follow-up appointments and examined the association of Andersen's Behavioral Model factors (predisposing, enabling, and need) and confidence to attend these appointments. Qualitative and quantitative findings show that perceived parental support is a salient factor in ASMM attending PrEP follow-up appointments. Participants did not want to have to go to the doctor and get bloodwork done trimonthly, and qualitative findings elucidated rationales for this, such as perceptions that follow-ups might be time-consuming, costly, and could out their sexuality to their parents. This study suggests that parents are gatekeepers for ASMM to initiate and sustain the PrEP care continuum.

Cigarette Use and Vaping Among Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth: Patterns of Use and Associations with Demographic and Psychosocial Factors.

BACKGROUND: This study described cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs) use and their demographic and psychosocial correlates in a sample of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents assigned male at birth. METHODS: One-way ANOVA, multivariate linear regression, and correlation analyses were conducted to examine correlates of cigarettes/ENDs use on 159 SGM adolescent users, ages 15-18. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of the sample used cigarettes/ENDs, with differences based on sexual orientation: bisexual, pansexual, and queer adolescents used ENDs more than gay adolescents. White adolescents smoked more cigarettes than adolescents of color, independent of ENDs use. Regarding psychosocial correlates, alcohol use and depression were associated with greater daily cigarette use, while sexual orientation identity was associated with greater daily ENDs use. CONCLUSIONS: This study characterized frequency and psychosocial correlates of cigarettes/ENDs use among SGM adolescents. Findings highlighted several risk factors for tobacco use and will inform future interventions for SGM adolescents.

'Oh, I don't really want to bother with that:' gay and bisexual young men's perceptions of barriers to PrEP information and uptake.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily oral pill for HIV prevention demonstrated to be effective for adults, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use with young people weighing at least 35 kilograms. Given that young people aged 13-19 years account for a disproportionate share of new US HIV infections, PrEP presents an important opportunity. There has been limited effort, however, to increase PrEP awareness and uptake among young people. While prior work has identified barriers young people face in getting PrEP, effective strategies for overcoming these barriers have not yet been identified. This paper presents results from interviews with 15-19 year old gay and bisexual young men about their knowledge and perceptions of PrEP, and the barriers they perceive. Results suggest that participants were aware of PrEP but confused by the details of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Participants also felt parents and providers would not be knowledgeable or supportive, and were reluctant to share their own use of PrEP on social media. Suggested next steps include online parent and provider education, systemic health care reform to streamline and simplify access to preventative care and awareness campaigns that meet youth where they are on popular platforms.

"The Main Concern is HIV, Everything Else is Fixable": Indifference Toward Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Era of Biomedical HIV Prevention.

With the advent of biomedical HIV prevention, attitudes toward and cultural norms around condom use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are changing. Participants of 2GETHER, a randomized controlled trial of a relationship education and HIV prevention program for male couples, have acknowledged that having condomless anal sex put them at increased risk for STIs. Nonetheless, facilitators of the program have increasingly observed that participants were indifferent toward STIs and unmotivated to engage in preventative behaviors, particularly if they used pre-exposure prophylaxis. Participants' reasons for their lack of motivation to take precautions against STIs are reviewed. Implications of these attitudes for public health interventions to reduce rates of STIs among MSM, including frequent screening and treatment of STIs and potential messaging around condom use, are discussed.

Patterns of Online and Offline Partnering, Partnership Characteristics, and Condomless Sex Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males in the USA.

Online partner-seeking among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) has been associated with condomless anal sex. Two hypotheses may explain this association: that online venues facilitate HIV transmission risk behavior more than offline venues (accentuation), or that individuals who tend to engage in these behaviors are more likely to seek partners online (self-selection). We examined these hypotheses in 700 13-18 year-old ASMM who completed the baseline survey of an effectiveness trial of an HIV prevention program in 2018-2020. The survey assessed demographic, sexual, and venue characteristics of male anal sex partnerships in the past 3 months. Many participants (83%) reported ≥ 1 online-met partner; most were met via sexual networking applications and were older than offline-met partners. Having met partners online, but not whether a particular partner was met online, was associated with greater odds of receptive condomless sex. Findings support the self-selection hypothesis, which has implications for HIV prevention in ASMM.

Competence to Consent to Oral and Injectable PrEP Trials Among Adolescent Males Who Have Sex with Males.

Adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is challenging for adolescent males who have sex with males (AMSM). Once adult trials comparing oral to longer lasting injectable PrEP are completed, there will be a need for adolescent studies. However, lack of data on adolescent consent capacity may sustain guardian permission requirements identified as a barrier to AMSM participation in prior PrEP trials. This online study assessed AMSM's (14-17 years) consent capacity for these trials, comparing performance to MSM (18-19 years) for whom guardian permission is not required. Applying the MacCAT-CR, participants (N = 214) viewed a video and mock consent form followed by open-ended and yes/no items. Cognitive diagnostic models and means testing analyses supported AMSM capacity to consent to these trials: 16-17 and most 14-15 year-olds, demonstrated consent understanding, appreciation and reasoning at 18-19 year-old levels. Data also identified vulnerabilities requiring attention during informed consent.

Awareness and Knowledge of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth in the United States.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents assigned male at birth are at increased risk for HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill taken to prevent HIV, which the United States Food and Drug Administration approved for minors under age 18 years weighing at least 77.5 lb in 2018. A lack of awareness and knowledge of PrEP are barriers to uptake among adults and adolescents, but SGM adolescents' awareness and knowledge about PrEP remain underexplored and no studies have assessed SGM adolescents' informational needs. We collected data on 59 SGM adolescents' (ages 14-18 years) awareness, knowledge, and questions about PrEP in an online survey and six online focus groups. Although a majority of SGM adolescents (83.1%) were aware of PrEP before the study, many wanted more information about side effects and how to navigate potential barriers to PrEP initiation. Findings can inform public health efforts to promote PrEP knowledge and uptake among SGM adolescents.

"Safe Behind My Screen": Adolescent Sexual Minority Males' Perceptions of Safety and Trustworthiness on Geosocial and Social Networking Apps.

Dating and social media application ("app") use for sexual and romantic partner-seeking is increasingly ubiquitous among adolescent sexual minorities assigned male at birth (ASMM). Previous work suggests that ASMM use the Internet, including apps, for normative aspects of sexual identity exploration and development. However, there may be risks associated with their use of sexualized apps designed for adults and with sexual interaction with adult app users. Little is known about how they assess and mitigate risk or gauge the trustworthiness of potential partners on such apps. We recruited ASMM in the U.S. (N = 268; ages 15-18 years, mean age = 16.9) to complete an online survey with open- and closed-ended questions about their perceptions of safety and trustworthiness of others while using apps to find partners. Participants perceived various risks on apps (e.g., physical harm, being "catfished") but did not appear to have clear strategies for measuring or mitigating it. They often assessed trustworthiness by observing other users' behavior or profiles. Participants frequently described interacting with older app users as risky or untrustworthy. Sexual health risks were seldom mentioned and the legal risks of sexual interaction with adults were never mentioned. Although app use may meet some of ASMM's sexual development needs, they may lack the knowledge and skills to do so safely in sexualized online adult spaces. These findings suggest that sex education for sexual minority adolescents should address online sexual safety.

The CAN-DO-IT Model: a Process for Developing and Refining Online Recruitment in HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Research.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: HIV/AIDS and sexual health research has increasingly relied on online recruitment in recent years. However, as potential online recruitment avenues (e.g., dating and sexual networking applications, websites, social media) have proliferated, navigating this process has become increasingly complex. This paper presents a practical model to guide researchers through online recruitment irrespective of platform. RECENT FINDINGS: The CAN-DO-IT model reflects 7 iterative steps based on work by the authors and other investigators: conceptualize scope of recruitment campaign, acquire necessary expertise, navigate online platforms, develop advertisements, optimize recruitment-to-enrollment workflow, implement advertising campaign, and track performance of campaigns and respond accordingly. Online recruitment can accelerate HIV/AIDS research, yet relatively limited guidance exists to facilitate this process across platforms. The CAN-DO-IT model presents one approach to demystify online recruitment and reduce enrollment barriers.

What If My Dad Finds Out!?: Assessing Adolescent Men Who Have Sex with Men's Perceptions About Parents as Barriers to PrEP Uptake.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy for high-risk adults and recently was given US FDA approval for use among adolescents. Yet, the barriers to medication uptake for this population are unique when compared to adult populations, as parents may be just as likely as prescribers to be gatekeepers to access. To better understand the role of parents in adolescents' attitudes towards PrEP, we surveyed 491 adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) ages 13-18, using forced choice and open-ended response questions. We measured perceived parent-PrEP supportiveness, hypothetical parent reactions to a request to initiate PrEP, and perceived positive and negative aspects of taking PrEP without parents knowing. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Results indicated a majority of AMSM had heard of PrEP and most reported their parents would be unsupportive of their taking PrEP. Teens perceived their parents would likely be angry, accusatory, and punitive if PrEP use was discovered, and that accessing PrEP independent of parents might increase their health autonomy, agency, and prevent awkward conversations about sex. Furthermore, a path model revealed that fears of parental reaction and poor self-efficacy to communicate with parents about PrEP significantly contributed to participants feeling PrEP was not "right" for them, and as a corollary, less interest in starting PrEP. The study suggests that improving parental knowledge of PrEP and encouraging parents to begin the conversation about PrEP could help increase uptake in AMSM.

PrEP Awareness, Uptake, Barriers, and Correlates Among Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth Who Have Sex with Males in the U.S.

In May 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adolescents under age 18. Although this is an important step toward HIV prevention for adolescents assigned male at birth who have sex with males (AMSM), limited research exists to gauge their awareness of PrEP as a prevention option. Additionally, the attitudes and perceived barriers regarding PrEP among this population have not been well studied. We conducted an online survey from February to April 2018, in which 219 AMSM age 15-17 read a description of PrEP, and then answered questions about PrEP awareness, perceived barriers, and demographic and behavioral correlates. A slight majority (54.8%) had heard of PrEP before, and 56.1% did not know how they would access PrEP. Of those who had heard of PrEP, 2.5% had ever used it. Most had first learned about PrEP online, through media or geosocial networking (GSN) applications to meet male partners. Those who had heard of PrEP were more likely to be older, to have used GSN applications, and to have greater HIV knowledge. Not knowing how to access PrEP was predicted by having had more partners, lower HIV knowledge, and never having talked to a provider about PrEP. Believing that one could not afford PrEP was predicted by greater perceived risk of HIV. Findings suggest moderate awareness of PrEP among AMSM, that youth at greater risk of HIV may perceive greater barriers, and that online spaces can play a significant role in increasing PrEP knowledge and reducing implementation barriers.

Condom-Associated Erectile Function, But Not Other Domains of Sexual Functioning, Predicts Condomless Insertive Anal Sex Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Condoms effectively prevent against HIV, especially when used in conjunction with biomedical strategies such as PrEP and viral suppression. However, consistent use of condoms in the real world has been a continual health promotion challenge, even among populations at highest risk, such as young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Inconsistent condom use may be related to poor sexual functioning, but limited research exists. The analytic sample comprised 688 racially diverse YMSM aged 16-29 (M = 22.9 years) living in Chicago, IL (19.2% living with HIV). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined longitudinal associations between condom-associated sexual functioning (erectile function, orgasm satisfaction, global satisfaction, and anal discomfort) and condomless insertive anal sex (CIAS) and condomless receptive anal sex (CRAS) 6 months later. CIAS at Time 2 was associated with condom-associated erectile function at the bivariate and multivariable levels, even after controlling for CIAS at Time 1 (p < .05). Condom-associated erectile function, orgasm satisfaction, and global satisfaction predicted Time 2 CRAS in bivariate models, but none remained significant in the multivariable models. Age, having had a serious partner in the past 6 months, and HIV/PrEP status at Time 2 were significant predictors of CIAS/CRAS in some but not all models. Future interventions to improve consistent condom use should specifically highlight information and skills on how to use condoms within real-world contexts rather than from a clinical perspective. Our results also support the importance of biomedical strategies for those who have continued problems with sexual functioning when using condoms.

Using Intervention Mapping to Developmentally Adapt an Online HIV Risk Reduction Program for Adolescent Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) experience a dramatic health disparity in HIV, accounting for over 80% of new diagnoses among youth. Current evidence-based HIV prevention programs, however, focus primarily on adults and heterosexual youth, thereby missing the unique experiences and socio-environmental contexts of AMSM aged 13-18. To address these gaps, we used the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol to developmentally adapt an existing evidence-based online HIV risk reduction program (i.e., Keep it Up!/KIU!), originally designed for young adult MSM aged 18-29, into a new intervention called SMART Squad. Using a hybrid of IM creation and adaptation tasks, we specified three behavioral outcomes and identified corresponding performance objectives for SMART Squad based on the original goals of KIU!. We constructed matrices of change objectives using determinants from the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, modifying them for the younger population with additional theoretical and empirical evidence and expert review. SMART Squad activities were operationalized from theory-based behavior change methods matched to the change objectives and guided by program themes, components, and scope imported from KIU!. The final SMART Squad intervention comprises 6 episodes/modules delivered in 2 sessions plus 2 booster episodes occurring 1 and 3 months after the main program. It is currently being evaluated nationally as part of a stepped-care package of 3 programs, in which the receipt and sequencing of interventions is tailored to individual AMSM development and needs. Despite substantial changes to KIU!, IM was a useful method for retaining the hypothesized essential elements of the eHealth HIV risk reduction program. Challenges and recommendations for future researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Stigma on the Streets, Dissatisfaction in the Sheets: Is Minority Stress Associated with Decreased Sexual Functioning Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men?

INTRODUCTION: Sexual function and satisfaction are understudied aspects of adolescent and young adult sexual wellbeing, and even less is known about sexual minority youth who are vulnerable to unique lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-related stigma. AIM: We aimed to describe sexual functioning (sexual interest, erectile function, orgasm satisfaction, global satisfaction with one's sex life, and anal discomfort) and examine its associations with demographics, sexual and relationship behavior, and minority stressors (internalized stigma, victimization, microaggressions, and perceived LGBT acceptance within residential neighborhood) among a cohort of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) aged 16-29. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional analysis came from an ongoing longitudinal study of HIV and substance use among YMSM (analytic N = 678). We conducted univariate and bivariate analyses and multivariable linear regression, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation as well as sexual and relationship characteristics that were significant at the bivariate level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We assessed sexual functioning in the previous 30 days using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile for Males. RESULTS: YMSM in our sample reported high levels of sexual functioning that were significantly greater than an adult clinical reference population. However, 13.9% of the sample reported having any difficulty with erections, 6.9% reported having less than "good" satisfaction with orgasms, 20.0% reported being "somewhat" or less satisfied with their sex lives, and 9.1% reported experiencing problems during receptive anal sex at least "sometimes." Most associations between minority stressors and sexual functioning domains that were significant at the bivariate level attenuated to non-significance in multivariable analyses. Internalized stigma remained negatively associated with global satisfaction, whereas perceived neighborhood acceptance remained positively associated with orgasm satisfaction. Being sexually active was significantly associated with increased sexual interest and orgasm satisfaction. Having had a recent serious partner was significantly associated with sexual interest and global satisfaction. Negative effects were found for having had casual partners and being HIV positive. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although most YMSM have high sexual functioning, a minority report problems and dissatisfaction that may warrant intervention. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited by its cross-sectional design, measurement limitations, and generalizability to other populations, but it is one of the first to examine sexual functioning among YMSM, using a large, diverse community sample. CONCLUSION: Public health research and practice must continue to combat LGBT stigma and include sexual functioning as integral to healthy sexuality. Li DH, Remble TA, Macapagal K, et al. Stigma on the Streets, Dissatisfaction in the Sheets: Is Minority Stress Associated with Decreased Sexual Functioning Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men? J Sex Med 2019;16:267-277.

Improving Young Male Couples' Sexual and Relationship Health in the 2GETHER Program: Intervention Techniques, Environments of Care, and Societal Considerations.

Young male couples are at high risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, few HIV prevention programs meet the needs of young male couples that express an interest in how to maintain healthy relationships. As such, we developed 2GETHER, a couple-based program that integrates HIV risk reduction and sexual health information into a relationship education program specific to young male couples. 2GETHER was guided by cognitive-behavioral theories of HIV risk reduction and relationship functioning and was informed by a social-ecological perspective to address factors within and outside the couple that can impact sexual and relationship health. As a micro-level intervention, 2GETHER intervenes directly with couples via psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral strategies to change couples' communication patterns, sexual health behaviors, and relationship satisfaction. Successful implementation of 2GETHER requires mezzo-level interventions that create an affirming environment of care for sexual-minority individuals and facilitators who are culturally competent in working with young male couples. Although macro-level interventions to change societal acceptance of and policies germane to sexual-minority couples are beyond the scope of 2GETHER, we discuss how clinicians can advocate for systemic changes to improve sexual-minority couples' health, and how 2GETHER addresses the impact of such macro-level factors on the couple's relationship. Our experience developing and testing 2GETHER indicates that HIV prevention programs for young male couples should reflect the unique contexts shaping sexual-minority individuals' relationships and lives, and that programs should intervene within and across multiple levels when possible to improve health for sexual-minority men.

Patient-Provider Communication Barriers and Facilitators to HIV and STI Preventive Services for Adolescent MSM.

Adolescent males who have sex with males (AMSM) are at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Healthcare providers are a critical source of HIV/STI prevention, yet little is known about AMSM patient-provider sexual health communications and services. To explore this issue, we surveyed a national sample of 198 AMSM 14-17 years. Four online psychometrically validated scales indicated over half the youth avoided communicating their sexual orientation and sexual health concerns to providers due to fear of heterosexist bias, concern their sexual health information would be disclosed to parents, and a general belief that sexual minority youth do not receive equitable treatment in health care settings. Youth who reported their physicians had initiated discussion about their sexual orientation were significantly more likely to have received HIV/STI preventive services and testing. Discussion includes the importance of medical training that meets the unique sexual health needs of AMSM.

The Influence of Internalized Stigma on the Efficacy of an HIV Prevention and Relationship Education Program for Young Male Couples.

Young MSM are at increased risk for HIV, especially in the context of serious relationships, but there is a lack of couples-based HIV prevention for this population. The 2GETHER intervention-an HIV prevention and relationship education program for young male couples-demonstrated promising effects in a pilot trial. However, there is evidence that internalized stigma (IS) can influence treatment outcomes among MSM. The current study examined the influence of IS on the efficacy of the 2GETHER intervention among 57 young male couples. The intervention led to decreases in percentage of condomless anal sex partners and increases in subjective norms regarding HIV prevention for those with low/average IS, but not high IS. The intervention also led to increases in motivation to get tested with one's partner and decreases in alcohol consumption for those with high IS, but not low/average IS. In contrast, IS did not moderate intervention effects on other motivational constructs, dyadic adjustment, or alcohol problems. In sum, IS influences the extent to which young male couples benefit from HIV prevention and relationship education depending on the outcome. Research is needed to understand how IS influences treatment outcomes.