Description of Intervention: Cognitive-Behavioral Skills Training Group

The intervention incorporated cognitive-behavioral and risk-reduction skills training principles and peer support elements. It consisted of 4 weekly group sessions, 90 minutes each. There were 8 to 10 women in each group. The sessions were conducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by 2 female group leaders.

The sessions provided detailed information about HIV risk and focused on behaviors that increase risk, common misconceptions about AIDS, and steps to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. National and local HIV seroprevalence and epidemiology statistics were summarized to personalize risk situations for the women, including the possibility of encountering an infected partner.

Exercises emphasized cognitive-attitudinal areas, behavioral skills, and social factors. Participants role-played initiating discussion of concerns about AIDS and condom use with potential sex partners and resisting sexual pressure from a man whose risk history was unknown or with whom the woman did not want to have sex.

Skills-building was a critical component of this intervention. Condom demonstration and practice were provided to desensitize participants to condom use. Also, attention was directed toward recognizing, understanding, and managing one's personal triggers for high-risk behavior.