Enhancing motivation to reduce the risk of HIV infection for economically disadvantaged urban women.
This research evaluated a motivation-based HIV risk reduction intervention for economically disadvantaged urban women. Participants completed a survey that assessed HIV-related knowledge, risk perceptions, behavioral intentions, sexual communication, substance use, and risk behavior. A total of 102 at-risk women (76% African American) were randomly assigned to either the risk reduction intervention or to a waiting list. Women were reassessed at 3 and 12 weeks. Results indicated that treated women increased their knowledge and risk awareness, strengthened their intentions to adopt safer sexual practices, communicated their intentions with partners, reduced substance use proximal to sexual activities, and engaged in fewer acts of unprotected vaginal intercourse. These effects were observed immediately, and most were maintained at follow-up.
Carey
M P
MP
Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, New York 13244-2340. mpcarey@syr.edu
Maisto
S A
SA
Kalichman
S C
SC
Forsyth
A D
AD
Wright
E M
EM
Johnson
B T
BT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014504:Urban Health; D016387:Women's Health