The efficacy of a relationship-based HIV/STD prevention program for heterosexual couples.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the efficacy of a relationship-based HIV/sexually transmitted disease prevention program for heterosexual couples and whether it is more effective when delivered to the couple or to the woman alone.


METHODS
Couples (n = 217) were recruited and randomized to (1) 6 sessions provided to couples together (n = 81), (2) the same intervention provided to the woman alone (n = 73), or (3) a 1-session control condition provided to the woman alone (n = 63).


RESULTS
The intervention was effective in reducing the proportion of unprotected and increasing the proportion of protected sexual acts. No significant differences in effects were observed between couples receiving the intervention together and those in which the woman received it alone.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the efficacy of a relationship-based prevention program for couples at risk for HIV infection.
El-Bassel
Nabila
N
Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY 10025, USA. ne5@columbia.edu
Witte
Susan S
SS
Gilbert
Louisa
L
Wu
Elwin
E
Chang
Mingway
M
Hill
Jennifer
J
Steinglass
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006302:Health Services Research; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome