A pilot cultural adaptation of LGB-affirmative CBT for young Chinese sexual minority men's mental and sexual health.

Abstract

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) represent one of the most at-risk groups for HIV infection and experience sexual minority stress especially in high-stigma settings, which affects their psychological health and increases likelihood of HIV-risk behaviors. The HIV epidemic in China is increasing rapidly among YMSM. However, no evidence-based intervention has specifically targeted Chinese YMSM's minority stress to improve their mental and sexual health. Adaptation of evidence-based interventions to promote the mental and sexual health of YMSM is one promising way to achieve the global target of HIV epidemic control. The current adaptation study followed the Assessment-Decision-Administration-Production-Topical Experts-Integration-Training-Testing model. YMSM (n = 41) and key stakeholders (n = 16) in China provided feedback into the selected intervention, a cognitive-behavioral therapy called Effective Skills to Empower Effective Men, originally developed with efficacy in the United States. An open pilot (n = 8) was also then conducted. Qualitative and quantitative data collected from each adaptation phase were analyzed to form the adapted intervention: "Yi Si Tang ()." Adaptations addressed a cultural context prioritizing family needs, limited support from the health system, as well as YMSM delivery preferences. YMSM and key stakeholders deemed the intervention acceptable and preliminarily feasible for the Chinese context. The pre-post comparison of mental and sexual health outcomes indicated improvement in mental health and sexual health of Chinese YMSM. Outcomes of the small initial pilot suggest future promise for this first-of-its-kind intervention for Chinese YMSM. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).