Using thought mapping and structured stories to decrease HIV risk behaviors among cocaine injectors and crack smokers in the South of Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To compare changes in AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors among Brazilian cocaine users in an intervention trial.


METHODS
119 participants were randomly assigned to either a standard or a standard plus "thought mapping" intervention, and re-interviewed 2 and 8 weeks after intake using standardized data collection instruments. Intervention effects were examined using generalized estimated equation model.


RESULTS
Significant increases in AIDS knowledge and condom use were observed in the experimental group, as well as significant changes in the subscores for sexual and drug risks. The experimental intervention was less successful in decreasing mean days of cocaine use when compared to the standard.


CONCLUSIONS
Although not robust, the findings nevertheless suggest that components of the experimental thought-mapping model might be useful in combination with other approaches.
Pechansky
Flavio
F
Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. fpechans@uol.com.br
Bassani
Diego Garcia
DG
Diemen
Lisia von
Lv
Kessler
Félix
F
Leukefeld
Carl G
CG
Surratt
Hilary L
HL
Inciardi
James A
JA
Martin
Steven S
SS
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D019058:Community Networks; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
D016578:Crack Cocaine