Take this survey to determine if you are eligible, or call 212-206-7919 x 302

Project Description:
The primary aim of the project is to test a brief four-session risk reduction intervention, based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for the co-occurrence of club drug use [i.e., cocaine, LSD, GHB, ketamine (“K”), MDMA (“Ecstasy”), and methamphetamine (“Crystal”)] and sexual risk taking behaviors among non-treatment seeking Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in NYC. A sample of 300 MSM who report risky sex and club drug use in the past 90 days will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms: a Brief Risk Reduction Intervention Condition designed to increase readiness to change club drug use and unprotected sex; or an Education Comparison Condition, four sessions of facilitated education regarding the effects of club drugs and unprotected sex. Participants will complete a baseline assessment and follow-up assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months in order to assess short-term and longer-term effects.

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT ONGOING

ACE: Adherence, Counseling, and Education
Funder: National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) Funding Period: 2008-2013
Principal Investigator: Jeffrey T. Parsons, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Sarit, A. Golub, Ph.D.
Project Director: William Kowalczyk, B. S.

Call 212-206-7919 x 232 for more information
Participants can earn up to $330 for their time

Take this survey to determine if you are eligible, or call 212-206-7919 x 232

Project Description: It is estimated that to adequately control HIV replication one must take 90% to 95% of their antiretroviral medications on time. Adherence to HIV medications can be difficult due to a variety of factors, including side effects, stigma, and complicated regimens. HIV positive individuals who use substances of abuse pose a particular challenge, as it has been shown that substance users have poorer adherence than those without. Substance use has been linked to poor decision making, leading the individual to engage in risky behaviors, as well as missing their medications. Through an 8 session outpatient intervention this project seeks to increase adherence while decreasing substance use and other associated risk behaviors.

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT ONGOING

Sexplorations Project
Time Period: 2009
Funder: Kingsborough Community College, CUNY
Principal Investigator : José Nanín, Ed.D.
Project Coordinator : Julia Tomassilli, M.A.

Project Description:
The objective of this project is to investigate the role of particular cognitive profiles (i.e. patterns of impairment in brain function and decision-making ability) in determining the relationship between substance use and risky sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). This research is designed to begin bridging the gap between neuropsychological and behavioral research in HIV prevention, examining how cognitive functioning might play a role in HIV risk-taking, both among substance users and in the specific context of substance use. A better understanding of the role of neurocognitive factors may lead to the development of new intervention strategies focusing on these elements, and may lead to the modification of existing interventions to include components that better meet the particular cognitive needs of participants.

ENROLLMENT CLOSED

HIV Prevention Communication among Black MSM
Funder: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Funding Period: 2007-2011
Principal Investigator: José Nanin, Ed.D.
Co-Investigators: Sarit A. Golub, Ph.D; Jeffrey T. Parsons, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator: Catherine Holder, B.A.
Collaborator: Tokes Osubu, MA (Gay Men of African Descent)

Project Description:
This cross-sectional formative research study, using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, seeks to explore the relationship between interpersonal communication about HIV prevention and HIV testing intentions among NYC-based Black men who have sex with men (BMSM), ages 18-64, and other MSM members of their social networks. Theoretical framework is based on the theory of reasoned action and diffusion of innovation theory. Using an adaptation of respondent-driven sampling, a total of 300 BMSM and other MSM in their social networks will be recruited via active and passive recruitment methods at specific venues and special community events. Results from this study will facilitate a better understanding about the specific messages being conveyed about HIV prevention and HIV testing between Black men who have sex with men and their friends, peers and sexual partners. Gay Men of African Descent, located in Harlem, NY (www.gmad.org) and currently offering HIV testing and support services for BMSM, will collaborate with CHEST on this project.

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT FORTHCOMING

Pillow Talk and Sex Diaries
Time Period : 2008-2009
Principal Investigator : Christian Grov, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators : Jeffrey T. Parsons, Ph.D.; Sarit A. Golub, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator : Blair Morris, B.A.

Project Description:
Pillow Talk and Sex Diaries is a pilot study looking at sexual compulsivity among highly sexually active men who have sex with men. The project longitudinally follows two cohorts of men, those who experience lack of control around their sexual behavior and those who do not. This study seeks to understand what differentiates the two cohorts when both are highly sexually active. In addition to standard computerized surveys and qualitative interviews men complete, participants complete a 30-day daily diary online for the first 30 days they are in the study. This diary captures men’s mood, sexual behavior, and substance use. Finally, in an effort to map differences in executive functioning, men also participate in a series of neurocognitive tests.

Positive Talk: Motivations for Serosorting and HIV Health Related Outcomes Study
Time Period : 2007-2009
Principal Investigator : Sarit A. Golub, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator : Jeffrey T. Parsons, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator : Julia Tomassilli, M.A.

Project Description:
Positive Talk is examining the possible health benefits of HIV-positive people choosing only HIV-positive sexual partners (i.e., serosorting). The study seeks to understand how people living with HIV think about others’ HIV statuses when choosing their sexual/romantic partners and how those choices, and the motivations behind them, are associated with HIV-related behavioral, clinical, and psychological outcomes, including condom use, treatment adherence, STD incidence, depression, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. The pilot study enrolled 60 HIV-positive adults (20 gay/bi men, 20 straight men, 20 women) who report having sex in the last 30 days.

ENROLLMENT CLOSED