NCT06745947 · The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Behavioral Economic Intervention to Improve HIV Behaviors in Sexual Minority Individuals
What this study is about
This research study is testing a new behavioral therapy called Episodic Future Thinking or EFT can help people reduce drug use and risky sexual behaviors while helping them adhere to their HIV prevention medication (PrEP). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups.
View original scientific description
This research study is testing a new behavioral therapy called Episodic Future Thinking or EFT can help people reduce drug use and risky sexual behaviors while helping them adhere to their HIV prevention medication (PrEP). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard care, which includes counseling on HIV prevention, drug use reduction, and sexual health. The other group will receive standard care plus a new program called Episodic Future Thinking (EFT), where participants will think about and plan for their future goals using a mobile app and counseling sessions. Study procedures that are not part of regular care include filling out surveys, providing blood, urine, and swab samples for testing, and using the EFT app.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
EFT
Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will receive the EFT intervention, a cognitive training exercise designed to help them generate and visualize future events or goals. The intervention will be administered individually, in person, by a trained counselor
Primary outcome measures
Dried Blood Spot Analysis for STI adherence
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
Blood spots will be collected and assessed for sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Urine Collection for Drug Screening
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
Urine will be tested for drug screening. Number of subjects that result in a negative drug screening will be reported.
Urine Collection for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
Urine will be tested for STIs. Number of subjects that test negative for STIs will be reported.
Rectal Swab for STI testing
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
A rectal swab will be obtained for STI. Number of subjects that test negative for STIs will be reported.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Related Intentions
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
A 3-item scale to measure PrEP-related intentions (e.g., "During the next three months, I will talk to a health care provider about PrEP"; "During the next three months, I will seek out more information about PrEP" and "During the next three months, I will get a prescription for PrEP"). Response options will be 1 = No, definitely not; 2 = No, probably not; 3 = Yes, probably and 4=Yes, definitely. A total range of scores is 3-12 with a higher score indication a greater intention of taking preventative measures.
PrEP Attitudes
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
A 5-item scale to evaluate attitudes regarding PrEP use (e.g., "People who take PrEP are responsible"; "Taking PrEP is safe"). Response options will range from 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree. Total scores will range between 5 and 25, with higher scores indicating more favorable attitudes toward PrEP use.
PrEP Stigma
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
A 5-item scale to assess PrEP stigma (e.g., "People who take PrEP are promiscuous"). Responses will be on a 5-point scale, ranging from 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly disagree. The total range of scores is 5-25, where higher scores denote greater stigma associated with PrEP.
PrEP Self-efficacy
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 180
Participants will self-report the level of difficulty they anticipate in performing 8 behaviors associated with PrEP use (e.g., "How difficult would it be for you to seek out more information about PrEP to decide if it is right for you?"). Responses will be on a scale from 1=very hard to do to 4=very easy to do. Total scores range from 8-32, where higher scores suggest higher levels of self-efficacy.
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
- Adults 18 - 34 years of age
- HIV negative (assessed via Rapid HIV Antibody Test)
- Identify as gay, or bisexual
- Recent (past 3 months) methamphetamine use
- Currently prescribed and taking HIV PrEP medication
- Self-reported HIV PrEP nonadherence in the past three months
- Urine screen test for PrEP nonadherence
- Self-reported condomless anal sex or a STI in the past three months
- Able to attend all study visits
- Fluent in English
Exclusion criteria
- Currently receiving treatment for any substance use disorder,
- HIV positive
- Having a medical or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the PI would interfere with study participation
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Unable to attend protocol directed study visits
- Any plans that would preclude study completion (e.g. surgery, major medical treatments such as chemotherapy, incarceration, travel/moving out of San Antonio, Texas)
Where
- San Antonio, Texas
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
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 Sep 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations