The impact of community-based groups to help persons reduce HIV infection risk behaviours

In addition to widescale AIDS education campaigns, interventions are also needed which can directly assist in the development of skills to reduce HIV infection. Cognitive-behavioural and skills training approaches have long been used to help individuals learn to change other behaviour patterns related to health and can be applied to AIDS. Several approaches (self-management skills training, assertiveness training, and problem-solving) are discussed in relation to HIV risk reduction counselling. Examples and outcome data from prior risk reduction groups for gay men are summarised. Involvement in multiple-session group intervention can produce rapid and clinically meaningful changes in high-risk behaviour patterns. Issues pertinent to the field implementation of such interventions are discussed.