title: Theory-based HIV risk reduction counseling for sexually transmitted infection clinic patients in Cape Town, South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  South Africa has the world's fastest growing AIDS epidemic. There is an urgent need for effective HIV risk reduction interventions in South Africa.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to develop and test the potential efficacy of a brief theory-based HIV prevention counseling intervention for sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic patients in South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  STI clinic patients in Cape Town (N=228) were assessed at baseline and randomized to receive either: 1) a single 60-minute session motivational/skills-building HIV risk reduction counseling intervention or 2) a 20-minute HIV information/education session. Participants completed 1- and 3-month follow ups with 80% retention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 60-minute motivational/skills risk reduction counseling demonstrated significantly greater risk reduction practices, lower rates of unprotected intercourse, and greater likelihood of receiving HIV testing after the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Brief theory-based HIV prevention counseling may significantly reduce HIV risk behaviors for STI clinic patients in South Africa.
authors.affiliation: Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. lsimbayi@hsrc.ac.za
authors.forename: Leickness C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Simbayi
authors.forename: Seth C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kalichman
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jooste
authors.forename: Demetria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.forename: Charsey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cherry
authors.forename: Vuyisile
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mathiti
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dlakulu
authors.forename: Noreen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Unddermans
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bruinders
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Wyk
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arendse
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Croome
authors.forename: Welmoet
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bok
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome