title: Development and evaluation of an HIV-risk reduction program for female college students.
abstract: College students are engaging in high rates of behavior related to risk of infection from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A cognitive-behavioral skills training program for heterosexual college females focused on sexual assertiveness skills and the reduction of risk-related behaviors was designed and evaluated compared with an education-only program. Participants completed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up assessments of: (a) HIV/STD-related knowledge and beliefs; (b) sexual, alcohol, and drug-related behaviors; and (c) sexual assertiveness role-plays. Skills training participants compared to education-only participants scored higher on sexual assertiveness skills, specific knowledge of HIV infection, and self-efficacy to perform lower risk sexual behaviors and reported a reduction in risk-related behaviors at post-intervention and follow-up assessments. The effectiveness of behavioral skills in HIV risk-reduction programs for college students is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Sikkema
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Winett
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Lombard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012381:Role Playing; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome