AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #223 - Efficacy of behavioral interventions to increase condom use and reduce incident sexually transmitted infections: A meta-analytic review of trials, 1985 to 2010
Authors: Presenting Author: Prof Blair T. Johnson - University of Connecticut
Additional Authors: Dr. Lori A. J. Scott-Sheldon, Dr. Tania B. Huedo-Medina, Dr. Blair T. Johnson, Ms. Michelle R. Warren, Dr. Michael P. Carey,
Aim: In the absence of an effective HIV vaccine, safer sexual practices are necessary to avert new infections. Behavioral interventions seek to reduce incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, by promoting condom use and other risk reduction strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of behavioral interventions to increase condom use and reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
Method / Issue: Studies were retrieved from electronic databases, the document depository held by the Synthesis of HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Project (SHARP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Research Synthesis Project database, and reference sections of relevant papers. To be included, studies had to examine a behavioral intervention focusing on reducing HIV risk, measure any type of STI including HIV, and provide sufficient information to calculate effect sizes. Fifty-nine studies with 84 separate interventions (N = 54,948; M age = 26 years; 67% women; 61% African) that were available as of July 2010 were included. Independent raters coded participant characteristics, design and methodological features, and intervention content. Weighted mean effect sizes, using both fixed- and random-effects models, were calculated; positive effect sizes indicated increased condom use and fewer incident STIs, including HIV. Potential moderators of intervention efficacy were assessed.
Results / Comments: Compared to controls, intervention participants increased their condom use (d+ = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.29; k = 67), had fewer incident STIs (d+ = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.29; k = 62), and had fewer incident HIV infections (d+ = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.79; k = 13). Several sample (e.g., ethnicity) and intervention features (e.g., targeting intervention to a specific group, skills training) moderated the efficacy of the intervention.
Discussion: Behavioral interventions to reduce sexual transmission of HIV are in general efficacious in reducing sexual risk behavior and averting STIs and HIV. Translation and widespread dissemination of relatively effective behavioral interventions are needed.
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