HIV Risk Reduction Intervention Among Traditionally Circumcised Young Men in South Africa: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

The aim of this study was to test a 180-minute group HIV risk–reduction counseling intervention trial with men undergoing traditional circumcision in South Africa to reduce behavioral disinhibition (false security) as a result of the procedure. A cluster randomized controlled trial design was employed using a sample of 160 men, 80 in the experimental group and 80 in the control group. Comparisons between baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments on key behavioral outcomes were completed. We found that behavioral intentions, risk-reduction skills, and male role norms did not change in the experimental compared to the control condition. However, HIV-related stigma beliefs were significantly reduced in both conditions over time. These findings show that one small-group HIV risk–reduction intervention did not reduce sexual risk behaviors in recently traditionally circumcised men at high risk for behavioral disinhibition.