Change trajectories in women's STD/HIV risk behaviors following intervention

Three 16-month sexual risk-taking trajectories were identified in 287 women in an STD/HIV intervention study. The Risk Eliminator group reported no sex risk following intervention while the Risk Reducer group reported continuous drops over time. The High Risk group reported higher initial risk than the other two and no subsequent changes. The trajectory groups showed no between- or within-group effects of intervention exposure. Trajectory groups were compared on baseline characteristics. No differences were seen in demographics or STD/HIV knowledge. Compared to one or both of the other groups, the High Risk women reported more lifetime partners, recent paying partners, adult rape, and recent substance use. Their steady partners were more likely to be abusive, intoxicated during sex (as were the women themselves), and believed to be non-monogamous. The Risk Eliminator group differed from the other two by being less likely to report a history of childhood sexual abuse.