Efficacy of computer-based HIV/AIDS education for injection drug users.
OBJECTIVE
To compare computer-delivered to therapist-delivered HIV/AIDS education among opioid-dependent, injection drug-users (IDUs).


METHODS
We randomly assigned IDUs to receive either computer-based or counselor-delivered HIV/AIDS education.


RESULTS
Participants who received the computer-based intervention learned significantly more information about HIV prevention, retained significantly more information at a 3-month follow-up, liked the teaching medium significantly more, and requested additional information about HIV/AIDS at the end of the intervention with greater frequency than did the comparison group. Individuals in both conditions reported significant reductions in HIV risk behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Results demonstrated that computer-delivered HIV/AIDS education may provide an innovative and efficacious intervention for IDUs.
Marsch
Lisa A
LA
University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry, Burlington, VT, USA. marsch@ndri.org
Bickel
Warren K
WK
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires