Experimental component analysis of a behavioral HIV-AIDS prevention intervention for inner-city women.

Abstract

A component analysis of a behavioral HIV risk reduction intervention was conducted among 87 women recruited from an inner-city community. Women were randomly assigned to an intervention consisting of (a) sexual communication skills training, (b) self-management skills training, (c) a combination of sexual communication and self-management skills, or (d) HIV education and risk sensitization. Results showed that all 4 intervention conditions increased AIDS knowledge and intentions to reduce risk behaviors. Communication skills training resulted in higher rates of risk reduction conversations and risk refusals. However, the combined skills training condition showed the lowest rates of unprotected sexual intercourse at the 3-month follow-up. This study is the first to experimentally control HIV risk reduction elements in an analysis of a skills-based HIV prevention intervention.