title: Influence of partner participation on sexual risk behavior reduction among HIV-positive Zambian women.
abstract: Sexual risk behavior interventions in sub-Saharan Africa focus predominantly on individual and couples counseling. This cognitive-behavioral group intervention was adapted from an urban US context to urban Zambia. Preliminary data analyses assessed the influence of partner participation on sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive Zambian women. Female participants (n=180) attended four group intervention sessions and received sexual behavior skill training and male and female condoms; male partners (n=152) were randomly assigned to high- or low-intensity gender-concordant group intervention sessions. Sexual risk behavior, strategies, attitudes, and knowledge were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. At baseline, 19% of males reported using alcohol before sex, 10% reported using alcohol to cope, and negative coping was associated with sexual risk behavior. In contrast, 1% of women reported using alcohol before sex, and 15% used alcohol as an HIV-coping strategy. Consistent barrier use was reported by 48% of women and 74% of men. After intervention, female high intensity participants reported higher rates of condom use (F=5.68, P=.02), more positive condom attitudes, safer sex intentions, and less alcohol use. These findings highlight the influence of male partners in implementation of effective risk reduction interventions.
authors.affiliation: Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161, USA. dljones@mail.barry.edu
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Ganapati
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: Ndashe
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chitalu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015024:Zambia