Addressing Psychosocial Syndemic Conditions to Improve HIV Testing among Men Who have Sex with Men in Chandigarh, India: Results from a Quasi-Experimental Implementation Research Study

Summary To improve HIV testing uptake, we implemented a syndemic theory-based intervention targeting syndemic conditions such as depression, internalized homonegativity, and problematic alcohol use among men who have sex with men in Chandigarh (baseline n = 2046; postintervention n = 1812). Peer counselors provided motivational interviewing-based counseling on mental health, HIV testing, and safer sex. The intervention significantly increased 3-month HIV testing from 57.1% to 68.5%, and reduced problematic alcohol use from 30.0% to 18.4% and internalized homonegativity from 13.7% to 1.4%. Service users found the intervention useful. This intervention was feasible and effective in improving HIV testing and reducing psychosocial syndemic conditions.