We-INtervention Among Chinese HIV-serodiscordant Male Couples

Evaluating the Effects of the We-INtervention Among Chinese HIV-serodiscordant Male Couples in a Randomized Controlled Trial

HIV-serodiscordant male couples, in which one male partner is HIV-seropositive and the other is HIV-seronegative, experience multiple risks in HIV care and prevention. As stigma often hinders such couples' access to support and services, leveraging their relational resources is crucial for optimizing their outcomes. The proposed study will assess the efficacy of the three-session We-INtervention focusing on their relationship dynamics to enhance Chinese HIV-serodiscordant male couples' health and well-being.

A total of 160 Chinese HIV-serodiscordant male couples (320 individuals: 160 HIV-seropositive and 160 HIV-seronegative) will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control arm. In the intervention arm, the We-INtervention will be delivered to both partners of each couple separately. In the control arm, each couple will receive health information pamphlets.

A pilot randomized controlled trial has already demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, cultural sensitivity, and preliminary efficacy of the We-INtervention in improving the quality of life, psychological well-being, relationship satisfaction, and health behaviors of both partners in HIV-serodiscordant male couples. The proposed randomized controlled trial will extend the pilot study to examine the effects of the We-INtervention on stigma perception and other HIV-related behavioral outcomes, the mediators that account for the intervention effects, and the conditions under which the intervention is most effective.

The We-INtervention, if found to be effective, will be a valuable supplement to existing medical care modules.

Inclusion criteria:

1. both partners are male,
2. both partners are aged 18 or above,
3. both partners report being in a committed relationship for at least 3 months,
4. one partner is HIV-seropositive and the other partner is HIV-seronegative (i.e., serodiscordant couple),
5. both partners have disclosed their serostatus to each other, and
6. both partners are willing to participate in this study.

Exclusion criteria:

1. either partner is unable to complete the assessment due to a low education level or to physical or psychological constraints and
2. either partner has been diagnosed with another chronic disease (e.g., cancer and coronary heart disease).