Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to decrease human immunodefiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM)

Among Latino MSM, those who have reported early childhood sexual abuse continually report high levels of HIV risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to test if EMDR can be more effective as an HIV risk reduction behavioral intervention than a non-trauma based comparison, the Explore Study intervention. At a university-based outpatient clinic, 35 Latino MSM were randomized into Explore (n=13) and EMDR (n=22). The main outcome measure was a self-report questionnaire assessing unprotected anal sex, number of sexual partners, and use of substances before or during sexual activity during the previous month. Sexual risk behaviors were assessed at baseline, before randomization, and at one week post-intervention. Compared to baseline rates, participants who didn’t report unprotected receptive anal intercourse increased by 11% in Explore and decreased by 12% in EMDR. The corresponding comparisons for number of sexual partners were a 4% increase for Explore and a 41% decrease in EMDR. Explore and EMDR participants showed an increment of 25% and 9%, respectively, in those who denied having used alcohol or drugs before or during sexual activity. Follow-up data at 2 and 6 months post-intervention are being collected. This preliminary analysis suggests that certain HIV risk behaviors can be reduced by EMDR, while others can be equally reduced by more conventional interventions.

Conference

English

K. J. Vyas

Vyas, K. J. (2008, April). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to decrease human immunodefiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). Poster presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Salisbury University, MD