“Stay Healthy, Stay Strong” – Depression and Substance Abuse Treatment for African American HIV Infected Men who Have Sex with Men

Background: The advent of HAART has transformed living with HIV infection into a manageable chronic condition for those who able to effectively organize their care. Self care among HIV infected individuals includes managing medication adherence, depression, sexual risk-taking, and substance use. Little is known, though about interventions to enhance self care among HIV positive African American Men who have Sex with Men (AA MSM) living with mental health and substance abuse difficulties. Methods: AIDS Project of the East Bay (APEB) is pilot testing Stay Healthy, Stay Strong (SHSS) a culturally competent HIV self care intervention designed to meet the needs of AA HIV infected MSM with comorbid depression and substance abuse. The study sample (N=40) are being recruited from AA MSM currently receiving services from APEB in Oakland, California Results: Preliminary intervention data suggest AA MSM discontinue HAART medication use during times of binge stimulant use. Study subjects welcome exposure to strategies to cope with drug use triggers and depression.. Significance: SHSS offers a culturally competent intervention to cope with stressors unique to low income and impoverished AA HIV infected MSM. Public health implications include improved medication adherence and potential decrease of high-risk sexual activity and community viral load.