Grant: Operating Grant - PA: HIV/AIDS Res Initiative - Hlth Svs/Population Hlth Stream

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic among men who have sex with other men (MSM) in Canada is on the rise. Nearly half (44.1%) of new cases of HIV are among MSM due to unprotected anal intercourse between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. There is therefore a critical need for HIV prevention interventions in Canada. Social anxiety, or anxiety about being evaluated in interpersonal situations, is a reliable risk factor for HIV acquisition among MSM. Fortunately, social anxiety is also highly modifiable via behavioral counseling. The present study will provide pilot data for a novel and innovative HIV prevention intervention for MSM using empirically supported cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce social anxiety and occurrence of unprotected anal intercourse. The intervention will be administered to 20 HIV-negative MSM who experience social anxiety and have had unprotected anal intercourse within the past 3 months. The intervention will consist of 10 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for treatment of social anxiety and related substance use in sexual situations. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up to monitor frequency of unprotected intercourse and levels of social anxiety.