title: Integrating HIV prevention into services for abused women in South Africa.
abstract: The relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV risk is well documented, but few interventions jointly address these problems. We developed and examined the feasibility of an intervention to reduce HIV risk behaviors among 97 women seeking services for IPV from a community-based NGO in Johannesburg, South Africa. Two versions of the intervention (a 6-session group and a 1-day workshop) were implemented, both focusing on HIV prevention strategies integrated with issues of gender and power imbalance. Attendance was excellent in both intervention groups. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and two-month follow-up to demonstrate the feasibility of an intervention trial. Women in both groups reported reductions in HIV misperceptions and trauma symptoms, and increases in HIV knowledge, risk reduction intentions, and condom use self-efficacy. The 6-session group showed greater improvements in HIV knowledge and decreases in HIV misperceptions in comparison to the 1-day workshop. The study demonstrated the feasibility and potential benefit of providing HIV prevention intervention to women seeking assistance for IPV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708-0086, USA. kathleen.sikkema@duke.edu
authors.forename: Kathleen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Sikkema
authors.forename: Sharon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Neufeld
authors.forename: Nathan B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Rakgadi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mohlahlane
authors.forename: Madri Jansen
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Van Rensburg
authors.forename: Melissa H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Watt
authors.forename: Ashley M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crewe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013019:South Africa; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D014754:Violence