title: Do participant characteristics influence the effectiveness of behavioral interventions? Promoting condom use to women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed whether participant baseline characteristics modified the effects of a skill-based intervention promoting condom use.
  
  
  METHODS
  The randomized, controlled trial enrolled 427 women from a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. The main outcome measures: consistent (100%) and problem-free (correct, no breakage or slippage) condom use were verified by sexual diary self-report and contraceptive product counts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The enhanced intervention group had a 60% higher consistent condom use rate compared to the basic group (risk ratio [RR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-1.8). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in relationship to problem-free, consistent use (RR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9-1.1). A binomial regression analysis identified the following factors as significant modifiers of intervention effectiveness on consistent condom use: intention to use condoms next time, early-age sexual debut, marital status combined with place of intercourse, and substance use before sex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that participant baseline characteristics can be modifiers of intervention effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, USA. jlegardy@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Jennifer K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Legardy
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macaluso
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Artz
authors.forename: Ilene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brill
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D042121:Contraception, Barrier / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017533:Marital Status; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014743:Videotape Recording