Trial results for an online mindfulness-based intervention aimed at reducing minority stress and HIV risk among young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2025-11-24. The study demonstrated feasibility by recruiting 68 participants for its third aim.
Background
HIV continues to be a significant public health challenge, particularly among young adult gay, bisexual, and queer men. This population often experiences minority stress, which can contribute to mental health issues and increased vulnerability to HIV risk behaviors. Interventions that address both mental well-being and HIV prevention are crucial. Mindfulness-based programs have shown promise in managing stress and improving coping mechanisms, making them a potential tool for this demographic. The development of online interventions offers a scalable and accessible way to reach individuals who might face barriers to traditional in-person services.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled a total of 68 participants. The trial focused on individuals with Hiv, Minority Stress, and concerns related to Mental Health Wellness 1. The overall aim of the research was to develop and test a mindfulness-based program for young adult gay, bisexual, and queer men at risk for HIV. The specific results posted pertain to Aim 3 of the broader study, which assessed the feasibility of an online mindfulness-based queer resilience (MBQR) intervention. Participants were randomized into either the Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience (MBQR) group or a Health Education comparator group.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements related to the feasibility of the online intervention:
- Feasibility of Online Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience as Measured by Recruitment Rates: A total of 68 participants were recruited during the pre-randomization phase.
- Feasibility of Online Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience as Measured by Retention Rates: HIV/STI Testing Submission:
- For the Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience (MBQR) group, initial enrollment was 34 participants, with subsequent retention measurements showing 26 participants and 27 participants submitting HIV/STI tests.
- For the Health Education group, initial enrollment was 34 participants, with subsequent retention measurements showing 29 participants and 28 participants submitting HIV/STI tests.
- Feasibility of Online Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience as Measured by Retention Rates: Nail Sample Submission:
- For the Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience (MBQR) group, retention measurements showed 30 participants, then 23 participants, and again 23 participants submitting nail samples.
- For the Health Education group, retention measurements showed 28 participants and then 26 participants submitting nail samples.
What this means
The posted results indicate that the online mindfulness-based queer resilience (MBQR) intervention demonstrated feasibility in recruiting and retaining young adult gay, bisexual, and queer men at risk for HIV. The successful recruitment of 68 participants suggests that there is a willingness within this population to engage with such online programs. While retention rates varied across different measurement points and submission types, the numbers provide initial insights into participant engagement with the intervention and the comparator arm. For instance, the MBQR group had 26 and 27 participants submitting HIV/STI tests at different points, and 23 participants submitting nail samples at later points, out of an initial 34. These figures are crucial for understanding the practical implementation and potential reach of online health interventions for minority stress and HIV risk reduction. The findings support the continued development and evaluation of accessible, online mental health and prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT05855655, titled "Developing an Online Mindfulness-based Intervention to Reduce Minority Stress and HIV Risk Among Young Adult MSM - Aim 3", were posted on 2025-11-24 on clinicaltrials.gov.