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Evaluation of an HIV risk reduction intervention among African-American homosexual and bisexual men
J L Peterson1, T J Coates, J Catania
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303, USA.
Insights
A triple session intervention significantly reduced high-risk sexual behavior in African-American men who have sex with men. A single session showed minimal impact, while the control group remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- HIV Prevention
Background:
- African-American homosexual and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV.
- High-risk sexual behavior remains a significant factor in HIV transmission within this population.
- Effective interventions are crucial to mitigate HIV spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an HIV risk reduction intervention targeting high-risk sexual behavior.
- To compare the efficacy of single versus triple session interventions.
- To provide initial data on intervention effectiveness in African-American men who have sex with men.
Main Methods:
- 318 participants were recruited through diverse channels.
- Randomization into single-session, triple-session, or wait-list control groups.
- Interventions included risk education, cognitive-behavioral training, and social support enhancement.
Main Results:
- Triple session intervention participants significantly reduced unprotected anal intercourse (46% to 20% at 12 months, 45% to 20% at 18 months).
- Single session intervention showed only a slight decrease in risky behavior (47% to 38% at 12 months, 50% to 38% at 18 months).
- Control group's risky behavior levels remained constant throughout the study.
Conclusions:
- A triple session intervention is superior to a single session intervention for reducing risky sexual behavior.
- The findings highlight the importance of intervention intensity for behavior change.
- This study provides evidence for effective HIV prevention strategies in a vulnerable population.
Objective:
To provide the first data which evaluates an HIV risk reduction intervention designed to reduce HIV high-risk sexual behavior in African-American homosexual and bisexual men.
Subjects:
Participants (n = 318) were recruited from bars, bathhouses, and erotic bookstores, and through homosexual African-American organizations, street out-reach, media advertisements, and personal referrals of individuals aware of the study.
Methods:
Participants were randomized into a single or triple session experimental group or a wait-list control group. Both experimental interventions included AIDS risk education, cognitive-behavioral self-management training, assertion training, and attempts to develop self-identity and social support. Data collection involved assessments of self-reported changes in sexual behavior at 12- and 18-month follow-up.
Results:
Participants in the triple session intervention greatly reduced their frequency of unprotected anal intercourse (from 46 to 20%) at the 12-month follow-up evaluation and (from 45% to 20%) at the 18-month follow-up evaluation. However, levels of risky behavior for the control group remained constant (from 26 to 23% and from 24 to 18%) at 12- and 18-month follow-up evaluations, respectively. In addition, levels of risky behavior for the single session intervention decreased only slightly (from 47 to 38% and from 50 to 38%) at the 12- and 18-month follow-up evaluations, respectively.
Conclusions:
Results were interpreted to demonstrate the superiority of a triple session over a single session intervention in reducing risky sexual behavior in this cohort.