Randomised controlled trial of a sexual risk reduction intervention for STI prevention among men who have sex with men in the USA.

Objectives: Novel interventions to address sexual risk taking and slow rates of STIs are urgently needed, in particular among black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA. Serosorting, or limiting condomless sex acts to partners of the same HIV status, is commonly practised among MSM, yet can lead to STI and remains largely unaddressed by public health agencies.

Methods: A two-arm, randomised controlled trial was conducted from 2012 to 2015.

Setting the bar high or setting up to fail? Interpretations and implications of the EXPLORE Study (HPTN 015).

Controlled studies show that HIV risk reduction counseling significantly increases condom use, reduces unprotected sex and prevents sexually transmitted infections. Nevertheless, without evidence of reducing HIV incidence, these interventions are generally discarded. One trial, the EXPLORE study, was designed to test whether ten sessions of risk reduction counseling could impact HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in six US cities.