NCT07011563 · Rhode Island Hospital
Prepping for The Talk: Helping Trusted Adults and Youth Talk About Sexual Health
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to help young people talk to trusted adults (including their parents, but also other adults) about sexual health more openly and honestly- including how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases like HIV - while also respecting a young person's right to privacy.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to help young people talk to trusted adults (including their parents, but also other adults) about sexual health more openly and honestly- including how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases like HIV - while also respecting a young person's right to privacy. If youth don't have a parent they can talk to about sexual health, we want to help them find a trusted adult to talk to. We also want to help youth take control of their own health by learning about different ways to protect their health.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Intervention
Youth: interventionist-facilitated 1:1 conversation with the youth via videoconference that includes a) brief sexual health assessment, b) individualized information about HIV risk reduction including PrEP, and c) use of motivational interviewing strategies to discuss barriers to PrEP. Parents: brief (\~20-30 min) web-based, interactive learning module ("module") designed to provide information about sexual health communication (SHC) best practices, HIV prevention strategies (e.g., condoms, STI testing, PrEP), as well as build practical skills around SHC using evidence-based behavior change methods (e.g., building confidence, aligning values with actions).
BEHAVIORAL
Control
Youth: interventionist-facilitated 1:1 conversation with the youth via videoconference that includes a) brief sexual health assessment, and b) didactic information about condom use, STI testing (including HIV), and PrEP (but not motivational interviewing or individualized information on HIV risk reduction). Parent: brief written information on a digital platform (i.e., website) with advice about talking to youth about sexual health with web-links to resources about STI/HIV prevention and PrEP. This information will not be interactive or use behavior change methods.
Primary outcome measures
Sexual health communication scale score - youth
Time frame: 4 weeks
We will administer the SHC scale to youth as a survey
Sexual health communication scale score - parent
Time frame: 4 weeks
We will administer the SHC scale to parent as a survey
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Assigned male
- Oral OR anal sex with an assigned male
- Live in the United States
- English-speaking
Where
- Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 9, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations