Do participant characteristics influence the effectiveness of behavioral interventions? Promoting condom use to women.
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.
Legardy
Jennifer K
JK
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
Macaluso
Maurizio
M
Artz
Lynn
L
Brill
Ilene
I
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