Intervention outcomes among HIV-affected families over 18 months.
We evaluate the efficacy of a family-based intervention over time among HIV-affected families. Mothers living with HIV (MLH; n = 339) in Los Angeles and their school-aged children were randomized to either an intervention or control condition and followed for 18 months. MLH and their children in the intervention received 16 cognitive-behavioral, small-group sessions designed to help them maintain physical and mental health, parent while ill, address HIV-related stressors, and reduce HIV-transmission behaviors. At recruitment, MLH reported few problem behaviors related to physical health, mental health, or sexual or drug transmission acts. Compared to MLH in the control condition, intervention MLH were significantly more likely to monitor their own CD4 cell counts and their children were more likely to decrease alcohol and drug use. Most MLH and their children had relatively healthy family relationships. Family-based HIV interventions should be limited to MLH who are experiencing substantial problems.
Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. CCHPublications@mednet.ucla.edu
Mary Jane
MJ
Rotheram-Borus
Eric
E
Rice
W Scott
WS
Comulada
Karin
K
Best
Carla
C
Elia
Katherine
K
Peters
Li
L
Li
Sara
S
Green
Ena
E
Valladares
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult