A randomized controlled trial to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases among women living with HIV: The WiLLOW Program.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and enhance HIV-preventive psychosocial and structural factors among women living with HIV.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial of 366 women living with HIV in Alabama and Georgia.


METHODS
The intervention emphasized gender pride, maintaining current and identifying new network members, HIV transmission knowledge, communication and condom use skills, and healthy relationships.


METHODS
Unprotected vaginal intercourse. OTHER OUTCOMES: Proportion never used condoms, incident STDs, psychosocial factors, and number of supportive network members.


RESULTS
Over the 12-month follow-up, women in the WiLLOW intervention, relative to the comparison, reported fewer episodes of unprotected vaginal intercourse (1.8 vs. 2.5; P = 0.022); were less likely to report never using condoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; P = 0.008); had a lower incidence of bacterial infections (Chlamydia and gonorrhea) (OR = 0.19; P = 0.006); reported greater HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy, more network members, fewer beliefs that condoms interfere with sex, and fewer partner-related barriers to condom use; and demonstrated greater skill in using condoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first trial to demonstrate reductions in risky sexual behavior and incident bacterial STDs and to enhance HIV-preventive psychosocial and structural factors among women living with HIV.
Wingood
Gina M
GM
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. gwingoo@sph.emory.edu
DiClemente
Ralph J
RJ
Mikhail
Isis
I
Lang
Delia L
DL
McCree
Donna Hubbard
DH
Davies
Susan L
SL
Hardin
James W
JW
Hook
Edward W
EW
Saag
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000635:transmission