Skills training versus health education to prevent STDs/HIV in heterosexual women: a randomized controlled trial utilizing biological outcomes.
We compared the effectiveness of two different 16-session group interventions for reducing new STD infection among heterosexual women. Two hundred twenty-nine at-risk heterosexual women were randomly assigned to skills training (ST) based on the relapse prevention model or health education (HE). Participants were monitored during the year following intervention for STD acquisition, self-reports of sexual behavior, and risk reduction skills. Participants in the ST intervention were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with a STD in the year following intervention and demonstrated superior risk reduction skills at 12-month follow-up. Both conditions showed statistically significant reductions in self reports of risky sexual behavior following intervention and at 12-month follow-up. In this sample, the ST intervention was superior to HE for reducing STD acquisition.
Baker
Sharon A
SA
University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle 98105, USA. sbaker@u.washington.edu
Beadnell
Blair
B
Stoner
Susan
S
Morrison
Diane M
DM
Gordon
Judith
J
Collier
Cheza
C
Knox
Kay
K
Wickizer
Lauren
L
Stielstra
Sorrel
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013223:Statistics as Topic / Q000379:methods