Sexual Confidence Study

Title: Sexual Confidence Study

Description: This study is a randomized control trial that seeks to test the efficacy of a novel form of online psychotherapy to treat social anxiety in HIV-negative men who have sex with men. Participants who are eligible will receive 12 online psychotherapy sessions to better manage their social anxiety, substance use, and sexual HIV risk behaviour. We hypothesize that participants will experience reduced sexual risk behaviour, reductions in social anxiety symptoms, and will reduce substance use in sexual situations. Participants will complete a baseline assessment consisting of 1) an online questionnaire about mental health, substance use, and sexual health, 2) an online interview with a clinician about mental health and substance use, and 3) in-person HIV and STI testing with a research nurse. If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to attend in-person STI testing appointments up to 4 times throughout the study at our laboratory located at Toronto Metropolitan University. Participants may be eligible to receive up to $380 in compensation for their time. For more information and/or if you wish to participate, please contact us over email at sexual.confidence@torontomu.ca or call 416-979-5000 ext. 552179.

Specifics: Study Population:
We are recruiting HIV-negative men who are actively having sex with other men, are not currently using PrEP, and who experience anxiety in social situations.
Participant Obligation:
Participants will complete 4 assessments and 12 psychotherapy sessions via Zoom for Healthcare, and in-person STI testing at the baseline, post-intervention, 3- and 6-month follow ups.
Participants complete the study over the course of 10-12 months.

Location: Online via Zoom for Healthcare and the HIV Prevention Lab (TMU) 105 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B1Y3

Project lead: Trevor Hart

Study Dates: juillet 15, 2020 to juillet 15, 2026

Study Website: https://sexualconfidence.ca/