A Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Women Living With HIV

Abstract

This is the first trial to demonstrate reductions in risky sexual behavior and incident bacterial STDs and to enhance HIV-preventive psychosocial and structural factors among women living with HIV.

Translation of a comprehensive health behavior intervention for women living with HIV: the SMART/EST Women's Program

“…Consistent with previous studies, this study achieved and maintained improvements in health behaviors among women participating in the behavioral group intervention (e.g., sexual risk behavior [40]). It is important to note that participants did not receive any compensation for study attendance, and as such, the intervention was fully integrated as a clinical service.…”

Behavioral interventions to promote condom use among women living with HIV: a systematic review update

“…Considering the 13 studies included in the systematic review, most involved group-level interventions 29,36,37,38,41,42,43,44,45 and were delivered in settings for HIV care 29,35,38,39,42,43,44,45,46 . One was home-based 40 and another 3 were developed in community settings 36,37,41 .…”

“…One was home-based 40 and another 3 were developed in community settings 36,37,41 . The intervention facilitators were only health workers in 6 interventions 36,38,39,40,43,46 , health workers plus peer leaders in 4 interventions 29,41,44,45 , and only peer leaders in 1 intervention 37 . One intervention was computerdelivered 35 and another failed to report this information 42 .…”

“…Principles of cognitive-behavioral theory guided almost all of the interventions, focusing on motivational interview, stress management and coping strategies, and psycho-educational techniques. One intervention 37 involved narrative strategies and social support, and 4 added components of gender and power theories 29,37,41,44 . Only 6 studies explicitly mentioned that gender issues were included in the interventions 29,37,38,41,43,44 .…”

“…These interventions must be based on a clear understanding of the social and cultural contexts shaping sexual behavior 18 . Findings thus suggest that interventions addressing gender-specific issues, power imbalances, and culturally relevant information are more successful in reducing HIV transmission risk behavior among women living with HIV 12,28,29 .…”