Wenger, N.S., Linn, L.S., Epstein, M., & Shapiro, M.F. (1991). American Journal of Public Health, 81 (12), 1580 - 1585
Description of Intervention: HIV Education, Testing, and Counseling
The intervention was offered to clients of an STD clinic in Los Angeles.
The intervention consisted of an educational component and an HIV blood test. The educational component included (a) a written pamphlet that explicitly discussed safer and unsafe sexual acts and explained condom use; (b) a 15-minute video that examined HIV-risk behavior and promoted condom use as well as discussing the risk with sex partners; and (c) a 10-minute, one-on-one counseling session with a physician.
The counseling session focused on assessing personal risk, discussing the elements of HIV testing, and answering any questions about HIV/AIDS or testing. [NOTE: See Summary for Kamb, et al. for current HIV testing and counseling protocols.]
After completing the educational module, intervention participants had blood drawn for an HIV test. Test results were revealed to intervention participants approximately 2 weeks after study entry and were accompanied by the same risk-reduction message as during the pretest counseling (for seronegative results) or in-depth counseling (for seropositive results). |
Intervention Goal(s): To evaluate the effects of HIV education and testing on sexual risk behavior.
Intervention Setting: Urban STD clinic.
Population: Of the 186 heterosexual adults who participated in the study, 67% were men and 33% were women; and 85% were African American; 84% had completed high school; and 43% were unemployed. The average age was 27 years.
Comparison Condition: HIV education only.
Behavioral Findings: Participants who received the HIV education and testing intervention reported significantly fewer occurrences of unprotected intercourse than did those in the comparison condition.
Contact:
Neil S. Wenger, MD
200 Medical Plaza
Suite 420
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: 310 206 6232
Fax: 310 206 3551
E-mail:
nwenger@medicine.medsch.ucla.edu
Go to Mpowerment Project
This study meets CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis project criteria for relevance and methodological rigor and also has the positive and significant behavioral/health findings required for the Compendium. Date added 1/99
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