Home PageThis program is a community-based intervention that seeks to reduce sex- and drug-related HIV risk factors in populations of
injection drug and crack cocaine users. The intervention consists of nine sessions conducted by indigenous outreach workers over a
period of four to six months. Participants attend two sessions of NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) standard HIV counseling and
testing, two group workshop sessions, and one individual counseling session. In addition, all participants receive a minimum of two
planned supportive visits from outreach staff, and are encouraged to attend a minimum of two risk-reduction social events. Monetary and
non-monetary incentives are used to encourage attendance. This program's effectiveness was evaluated in comparison to the effectiveness
of the NIDA standard HIV counseling and testing intervention for reducing risky behavior among IDUs. Participants were interviewed at
enrollment and five to nine months after the intervention. Urine tests at enrollment and follow-up allowed researchers to collect
information on opiate and cocaine use. In comparison with participants in the NIDA standard intervention, participants in the enhanced
intervention were significantly more likely to increase their self-reported condom use, reduce or cease their self-reported drug use,
seek drug-abuse treatment, and/or have a negative urine test for cocaine or opiates at follow-up. (Rhodes, Wood and Hershberger, 1999).
 |
 |
|---|