title: Results of a randomized controlled trial of a peer mentor HIV/STI prevention intervention for women over an 18 month follow-up.
abstract: Despite numerous behavioral interventions designed for women, rates of HIV and STIs are increasing. Interventions are needed that reach a large number of at-risk individuals. This study was a randomized clinical trial of a HIV/STI behavioral intervention conducted in Baltimore, MD, USA. Heterosexual women (n = 169) completed a baseline and three semiannual follow-up visits. Participants were randomized into a standard of care comparison condition or a Peer Mentor condition. At the 6-month follow-up, Peer Mentors were less likely to have multiple sex partners [AOR: 0.28 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.63)]. At the 18 month follow-up assessment, Peer Mentors increased their condom use during vaginal [AOR: 0.47 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.87)] and anal sex [AOR: 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.68)] as well as with main [AOR: 0.41 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.77)] and non-main partners [AOR: 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.79)]. Peer education is a sustainable approach to change risky sexual behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. mdavey@jhsph.edu
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Davey-Rothwell
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tobin
authors.forename: Cui
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Christina J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Carl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Latkin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D003142:Communication; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult