SUMMARY

AIDS Prevention and Health Promotion among Women is designed to assist participants between 16 and 29 years of age in developing and following a sound sexual health plan. Based on the concepts of empowerment, group social support and culturally sensitive skill building, this program comprises four 1 1/2- to 2-hour small (2-8 participant) group sessions conducted over the course of three months. Video segments promote group discussion, spark group role plays and engage participants in cognitive rehearsal and guided exercises designed to encourage healthy choices about one's body and sexuality. Specifically, this program encourages women to think about the physical and emotional consequences of unsafe sex. It helps them achieve a sense of mastery and positive expectations when discussing sexual history, HIV/AIDS testing, monogamy, spermicide and condom use and other health-related concerns with their partners. In addition, the program teaches participants how to effectively negotiate safer sex with one's partner and maintain safer sex goals. This program was field tested with pregnant low-income African-American and white women who were using medical center obstetrics services in Akron, Ohio. Compared to control groups, participants showed significant and sustained increases in HIV/AlDS knowledge, safer sex goals, and safer-sex behaviors, including spermicide and condom purchase and use.

SUITABLE FOR USE IN

AIDS Prevention and Health Promotion among Women can be implemented in clinics and community-based organizations. Although the original field study was conducted with pregnant women, the program is appropriate for older adolescents and young adult women (ages 16+).

ORIGINAL INTERVENTION SAMPLE

Age, Gender
The field test participants included 206 unmarried women in their second trimester of pregnancy, who were using obstetric clinic services. Their ages ranged from 16 to 29 years. The average age of participants was 21.

Race/Ethnicity
The field test population was 57% African-American, 40% White, 3% other ethnic origins.

PROGRAM LENGTH

This program is designed to last a total of 6-8 hours. The program schedule is fairly flexible and can be adjusted to suit the particular site. However, it is recommended that the four program sessions be conducted over a period of two to three months, with participants attending a single 1 1/2- to 2-hour session every two or three weeks.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS/TRAINING

A female masters-level psychologist or health educator should deliver the interventions. One leader is recommended for each group of up to eight women. They should have the ability to empathize with participants, a good working knowledge of AIDS and health concerns and the ability to communicate a positive health message. Training should include group process skills, role playing and associated skills and multicultural psychology. Video feedback on a practice session, if possible, is also suggested.