A systematic review of interventions to reduce alcohol use in men who have sex with men
Methods: Using systematic review methodology, we searched PubMed (MEDLINE) for randomized controlled trials published between 1980 and 2013 testing interventions to reduce alcohol use in MSM. We included RCTs in which MSM comprised at least 50% of the study sample and where outcomes specific to alcohol use were reported.
Results: After screening 1,868 abstracts, we identified 7 trials (N=2,672 participants) that met inclusion criteria. Methodological quality and intervention content varied between studies. Programs targeted diverse MSM sub-populations, including MSM with alcohol use disorders, homeless MSM, bar attendees, and gay couples. Of 7 studies, 3 found protective effects compared with control on follow-up alcohol use behaviors. One study targeted HIV-positive patients only, another targeted problem-drinking MSM, and the third focused on gay couples. A fourth study in problem-drinking MSM found significant effects for two intervention conditions but lacked a randomized control group. Only 2 studies assessed for intervention effects on sexual risk behavior. Meta-analysis was not possible because of design and measurement heterogeneity.
Discussion: This review found limited evidence for efficacy of alcohol use interventions in MSM. Rigorous formative research is urgently needed to develop more effective interventions for reducing alcohol use in this population. Future intervention trials should pay particular attention to measurement of intervention effects on HIV risk behaviors.
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences
Identify efficacious interventions to reduce alcohol use in men who have sex with men (MSM) Evaluate the methodological quality of interventions to reduce alcohol use in MSM Discuss implementation strategies and research directions for reducing alcohol use in MSM
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Gay Men
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a Brown MPH student, I designed and implemented a cross-sectional study to examine knowledge about acute HIV infection in gay and bisexual male college students for my thesis research. I currently work as a full-time research assistant on an NIAAA-funded study of the co-occurence of alcohol use and HIV risk in sexual minority populations. My research interests include the application of public health research to HIV risk reduction interventions and clinical HIV medicine.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.