Project GOLD: A pilot randomized controlled trial of a novel psychoeducational HIV/STI prevention intervention for heterosexually-active black youth.

This paper reports design and baseline data, not the trial's primary outcome or follow-up effects, so it cannot tell whether the intervention changes condom use or STI risk. The final sample was 108, below the planned target of 128, and the study was a pilot with expanded eligibility after recruitment delays. Because protocol delays made full 12-month follow-up impossible, the 6- and 12-month samples are substantially smaller. The inclusion criteria were changed from youth in mental health treatment to Black youth in the general community as well, so the sample is not only the originally targeted clinical group. The PHQ-9 and some emotion management scales had minimally acceptable reliability in this sample, which may make mental health and emotion regulation scores less stable. There were baseline differences between conditions, including more same-month multiple partners and suicidality in the general health condition, which could complicate later comparisons.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The article mentions a funding agency but does not name it in the supplied text.

Do not read the high baseline risk or randomization as evidence that Project GOLD reduces condomless sex or STIs. This paper reports only design and baseline characteristics, and no follow-up outcomes.