title: The efficacy of a relationship-based HIV/STD prevention program for heterosexual couples.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY 10025, USA. ne5@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Nabila
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: El-Bassel
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.forename: Louisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Elwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Mingway
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Steinglass
mesh_terms: 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