A Review of HIV Interventions for At-Risk Women

Abstract

From the start of the AIDS pandemic through March 1996, this study examines published studies on primary prevention of HIV transmission by women.  All of the interventions reviewed were conducted in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico, as well as the reports described a psychological, behavioral, as well as educational component specifically to address sexual risk reduction. This papers targeting women were found via manual and machine searches, each with a female-specific analysis of intervention effects. Sixteen of the 47 studies that fulfilled more stringent methodological reporting requirements were evaluated independently. Overall, the results show that HIV prevention programs may successfully reduce risky sexual activity among at-risk women. The efficacy of programs varied depending on the kind of intervention, the length of the sessions, and whether the research included just women or both men and women. The most effective HIV prevention programs targeted women explicitly, emphasized interpersonal and negotiating skills, and included numerous, long-term interactions. Evidence also suggests that community-based treatments have potential. A methodological criticism, research gaps, and suggestions for future intervention research with women are included in this study.