Pilot testing HIV and intimate partner violence prevention modules among Spanish-speaking Latinas

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Intervention Science

Background:

• HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV) are significant public health issues.
• Underserved populations, such as Spanish-speaking Latinas, face disproportionately high risks.
• Culturally specific interventions are needed to address these intertwined health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate two modules of a theoretically based, gender- and culturally specific HIV IPV risk reduction intervention.
• To assess the intervention's effectiveness among Spanish-speaking Latinas.
• To lay the groundwork for an integrated approach to preventing HIV and IPV.

Main Methods:

• Evaluative, one-group, repeated measure design.
• Data collected at preintervention (N=31), immediate postintervention (n=26), and 1-month follow-up (n=20).
• Intervention modules focused on healthy and safe relationships and self-preservation.

Main Results:

• The study represents a small but significant first step in intervention development.
• Preliminary data suggest the intervention's potential utility.
• Further research is warranted to confirm efficacy and impact.

Conclusions:

• The tested intervention modules offer a promising approach for addressing HIV and IPV risk in Spanish-speaking Latinas.
• This study highlights the importance of culturally tailored public health interventions.
• Future research should build upon these findings to develop comprehensive prevention strategies.