HIV Risk Reduction Intervention Among Traditionally Circumcised Young Men in South Africa: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

The aim of this study was to test a 180-minute group HIV risk-reduction counseling intervention trial with men undergoing traditional circumcision in South Africa to reduce behavioral disinhibition (false security) as a result of the procedure. A cluster randomized controlled trial design was employed using a sample of 160 men, 80 in the experimental group and 80 in the control group. Comparisons between baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments on key behavioral outcomes were completed. We found that behavioral intentions, risk-reduction skills, and male role norms did not change in the experimental compared to the control condition. However, HIV-related stigma beliefs were significantly reduced in both conditions overtime. These findings show that one small-group HIV risk reduction intervention did not reduce sexual risk behaviors in recently traditionally circumcised men at high risk for behavioral disinhibition. Copyright (C) 2011 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care