Long-Term Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention to Promote Condom and Contraceptive Use among HIV-Positive and at-Risk Women

Abstract

Objective. The authors used data from a larger study to evaluate the longterm effects of a peer advocate intervention on condom and contraceptive use among HIV-infected women and women at high risk for HIV infection.Methods. HlV-infected women in one study and women at high risk for HIV infection in a second study were selected from the Women and lnfants Demonstration Project and assigned to a standard or an enhanced HIV prevention treatment group. The enhanced intervention included support groups and one-on-one contacts with peer advocates tailored to clients' needs, The authors interviewed women at baseline and at 6-, l2-and I Bmonths, and measured changes in consistency of condom and contraceptive use and in self-efficacy and perceived advantages and disadvantages of condom and contraceptive use.Results. Of HIV-infected women, the enhanced group had improved consistency in condom use, increased perceived advantages of condom use, and increased level of self-efflcacy compared with the standard group. Of women at risk, the enhanced intervention group at six months maintained consistent condom use with a main partner and perceived more benefit of condom use compared with the standard group. These differences diminished at l2 months.Conclusions. The enhanced intervention was generally effective in the HIV+ study. In the at-risk study, however, intervention effects were minimal and shorl-lived. Factors related to the theory, intervention design, and sample characteristics help explain these differences. PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS .2OoISUPPLEMENT I . VoLUME I16

From Brochures to Videos to Counseling: Exposure to HIV-Prevention Programs

“…In closing, an impressive number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of interventions to persuade and train people to use condoms (see Cottler et al 1998;Fogarty et al 2001;Healton and Messeri 1993;Kalichman et al 1996;Kegeles et al 1996;Kelly et al 1991Kelly et al , 1992Kelly et al , 1997Lauby et al 2000;MacLachlan et al 1997;McCusker et al 1996; National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH] Multisite HIV Prevention Trial Group, 1998;O'Leary et al 1998;Rotheram-Borus et al 2001;CDC AIDS Community Demonstration Projects Research Group, 1999). However, these studies have never considered the actual reach of these interventions.…”

Demonstration and Evaluation of a Peer-Delivered, Individually-Tailored, HIV Prevention Intervention for HIV-Infected MSM in their Primary Care Setting

“…Some studies suggest that HIV secondary prevention interventions are more successful when interventionists are medical providers or counselors [18]; however, the few studies that have utilized HIV-infected peer-interventionists to counsel HIV-infected individuals have promising findings [19,20]. There are several advantages to a peerbased approach.…”

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Effect of the Protect and Respect Intervention on the Condom Use and Disclosure Practices of Women Living with HIV/AIDS

“…Although a handful of proven behavioral interventions exist to help both men and women with HIV/ AIDS decrease their risky sexual practices (Fisher et al 2006;Gilbert et al 2008;The Healthy Living Project Team 2007;Kalichman et al 2001;Patterson et al 2003;Richardson et al 2004;Sikkema et al 2007), we are aware of few published interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of WLH/A (Fogarty et al 2001;Wingood et al 2004). Because women and men face vastly different safer sex challenges, such tailored interventions are necessary.…”