Comparison of Two Psycho-Educational Interventions Aimed at Preventing HIV and Promoting Sexual Health Among Portuguese Women

Testing the Effectiveness of Two Psychosocial Interventions on Socio-Cognitive Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS in Mozambican Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Beyond a greater physiological susceptibility towards HIV infection, women are especially vulnerable due to their disadvantages in the sociological, legal, and economic arena (Silveira et al, 2002;UNAIDS, 2013;Silveira et al, 2002). There are several socio-cognitive factors that influence women's vulnerability towards HIV/ AIDS, namely their beliefs, attitudes, and perception of barriers against safe sex (Costa et al, 2016(Costa et al, , 2017Patrão & McIntyre, 2018) condom use negotiation selfefficacy (Costa et al, 2016(Costa et al, , 2017Downs et al, 2018;Patrão & McIntyre, 2017Villegas et al, 2013;Wagner et al, 2012), and knowledge about HIV/AIDS (Abdu et al, 2016;Vavrus, 2006). Women are more likely to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS (correct and consistent use of condoms) when they have correct knowledge about the disease and prevention, do not perceive barriers against safer sex, and believe in their ability to negotiate condom use (condom use negotiation self-efficacy).…”

“…Cognitive-behavioral intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV/AIDS (Darbes et al, 2008;O'Campo et al, 1999). There is a need for intervention programs that aim to promote women's sexual health taking into consideration psychosocial factors that have been found to predict behavior change in relation to risk reduction towards HIV/AIDS (e.g., Abramsky et al, 2012;Costa et al, 2017;DiClemente et al, 2014;Hobfoll et al, 1994Hobfoll et al, , 2002. These interventions may feature education only or may also include behavioral skills training.…”

“…These interventions may feature education only or may also include behavioral skills training. Several studies have demonstrated that behavioral interventions with skills training (e.g., communication, negotiation) are especially efficacious in increasing the levels of self-efficacy and of the capacity to communicate about sexuality with partners and friends (Costa et al, 2017;Covey et al, 2016;DiClemente et al, 2014;Hobfoll et al, 1994Hobfoll et al, , 2002Romero et al, 2006;Wingood et al, 2011), and to decrease perceived barriers against safer sex (Costa et al, 2017;Covey et al, 2016;Herbst et al, 2007;Hobfoll et al, 1994Hobfoll et al, , 2002Wingood et al, 2011). However, didactic interventions also present advantages and are recommended in specific situations.…”

“…According to O´Leary and Wingood (2000), educational interventions allow greater opportunity for intervention due to being brief and reaching targets easily, namely at places where treatment for sexual transmitted infections (STIs) is offered and are also low cost. They have shown effectiveness in promoting increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS (Costa et al, 2017;Hobfoll et al, 1994Hobfoll et al, , 2002Jani et al, 2016).…”

“…The ACCENT intervention features development of a sexual health plan and cognitive-behavior change to sustain its long-term effectiveness (Hobfoll et al, 1994;Lyles et al, 2007;McIntyre & Costa, 2004). During ACCENT sessions, participants acquire and rehearse communication and negotiation skills (e.g., assertiveness; Costa et al, 2017;McIntyre & Costa, 2004). Hobfoll et al (1994) compared ACCENT with previous interventions (e.g., General AIDS Competency [GAC]), and found that the ACCENT intervention produced the most favorable changes in safe sex behavior (Hobfoll et.…”