CyberSenga

Investigators: Michelle Ybarra, Tonya Prescott, Josephine Korchmaros, Julius Kiwanuka, Sheana Bull, David Bangsberg, Norma Ware, & Ruth Birungi

CyberSenga is part of an effort to increase technology-based HIV prevention research in resource-limited settings such as Uganda. The purpose of CyberSenga is to prevent more people from getting HIV and to help those who have HIV live healthy lives by taking advantage of Internet technology to give young people both honest and truthful information, and the tools they need to make good decisions. CyberSenga consists of five one-hour modules conducted through the online CyberSenga software, along with a four-month post-intervention booster session. At the beginning of the program, participants answer two questions to sort them into four groups: abstinent boys, abstinent girls, sexually active boys, and sexually active girls. Based on their responses, participants are directed to intervention content tailored for saliency based upon their biological sex and sexual experience, although all versions include the same concepts. Content discusses relevant topics to provide youth with the information and skills they need to make healthy decisions in the future. An evaluation of CyberSenga has demonstrated that receiving the five CyberSenga sessions improves youths’ HIV preventive information as well as motivation to use condoms, and the booster session delivered four months after the initial intervention enhances the learning effect. Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS), NABS I, Complete Sample, 1990-92

Investigators: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS); University of California, San Francisco

The National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS) were designed to identify AIDS-relevant risk behaviors and their correlates in a population based sample of adults aged 18-75 residing in the contiguous United States. The overall study design allows for the description of sexual practices, drug use, HIV antibody test seeking, and levels of AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs and social skills over the adult life-span both for the U.S. as a whole and for the major high AIDS prevalence areas. Emphasis was placed on oversampling black and Hispanic populations with the major AIDS epicenters. The specific aims of the survey included: Estimating the prevalence of AIDS-relevant sexual practices in the United States as a whole and in different segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried; age groups). Estimating the prevalence of HIV antibody test-seeking and levels AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and social skills among various segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried, age groups. Testing the three stages of the proposed AIDS Risk Reduction Model: (a) Labeling: To determine the effects of HIV transmission knowledge, AIDS anxiety, HIV susceptibility beliefs, and AIDS ethnocentrism on "labeling" high risk behavior (i.e. the belief that "unsafe" sex practices put one at risk for HIV infection). (b) Commitment: To examine the effects of response efficacy (i.e. beliefs that safe sex behaviors are enjoyable and decrease the risk of HIV infection) and self-efficacy (i.e. beliefs in one's ability to perform safe sex behaviors) on behavior intentions to buy condoms, to increase condom use, and to reduce multiple-partnered sex. (c) Enactment: To assess the effects of sexual communication, risk behavior labeling (stage 1 outcome) and commitment to change (stage 2 outcome) on buying condoms, condom use and multiple partnered sex. PETRA Dataset #06 is comprised of data from three samples: A nationally-representative, random-digit-dialed (RDD) telephone survey of adults; A partially overlapping RDD Central City Sample (separately weighted), and A sample of Hispanic surnamed households screened for race (Hispanic and African American only) and age (18-49 only)

National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS); NABS I, Poststratified separately to selected U.S. metropolitan cities: Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, 1990-92

Investigators: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS); University of California, San Francisco

The National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS) were designed to identify AIDS-relevant risk behaviors and their correlates in a population based sample of adults aged 18-75 residing in the contiguous United States. The overall study design allows for the description of sexual practices, drug use, HIV antibody test seeking, and levels of AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs and social skills over the adult life-span both for the U.S. as a whole and for the major high AIDS prevalence areas. Emphasis was placed on oversampling black and Hispanic populations with the major AIDS epicenters. The specific aims of the survey included: Estimating the prevalence of AIDS-relevant sexual practices in the United States as a whole and in different segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried; age groups). Estimating the prevalence of HIV antibody test-seeking and levels AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and social skills among various segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried, age groups. Testing the three stages of the proposed AIDS Risk Reduction Model: (a) Labeling: To determine the effects of HIV transmission knowledge, AIDS anxiety, HIV susceptibility beliefs, and AIDS ethnocentrism on "labeling" high risk behavior (i.e. the belief that "unsafe" sex practices put one at risk for HIV infection). (b) Commitment: To examine the effects of response efficacy (i.e. beliefs that safe sex behaviors are enjoyable and decrease the risk of HIV infection) and self-efficacy (i.e. beliefs in one's ability to perform safe sex behaviors) on behavior intentions to buy condoms, to increase condom use, and to reduce multiple-partnered sex. (c) Enactment: To assess the effects of sexual communication, risk behavior labeling (stage 1 outcome) and commitment to change (stage 2 outcome) on buying condoms, condom use and multiple partnered sex. PETRA Dataset #01 is comprised of a subset of the RDD Central City Sample (a partially overlapping, separately weighted RDD Central City Sample) divided into seven non-combinable subsamples from the following high risk urban areas: Chicago (n=951), Detroit (n=566), Houston (n=526), Los Angeles (n=839), Miami (n=494), New York (n=555), and Philadelphia (n=549). These samples, when properly weighted, may be used to make separate, individual estimates for large, high-risk metropolitan areas.

Sexual Health and Adolescent Risk Prevention (SHARP)

Investigators: Angela D. Bryan, PhD, Sarah J. Schmiege, PhD, & Michelle R. Broaddus, PhD

Adolescents in general are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Even higher rates of STIs have been observed among youth involved with the criminal justice system. Typically, these adolescents are younger at first intercourse, have a higher number of sexual partners, and report lower rates of condom use than their peers. Despite the fact that these adolescents are at greater risk for HIV/STIs, few prevention interventions have been developed for them. In addition, few interventions for adolescents target both substance use and sexual risk reduction. SEXUAL HEALTH AND ADOLESCENT RISK PREVENTION (SHARP) aims to fill these gaps. SHARP is an intensive, interactive single-session (divided into five sections) intervention lasting 3-4 hours that incorporates videos, lecture, group discussion and activities. The groups are organized by gender, either all male or all female, with no more than 10 per session (but on average, the ideal number per session is between 3-5 participants per session). Overall SHARP program goals are to deepen STI/HIV knowledge, improve correct condom use, reduce sexual risks and alcohol use and set long-term goals to utilize knowledge and skills learned during the session. SHARP was evaluated using a randomized controlled trial with three group-based conditions. These three conditions were HIV information only (control group); SHARP program (intervention group) and SHARP + motivational enhancement therapy (enhanced intervention group). The study was conducted over a 12 month period, with data collected in 5 waves (baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). The enhanced intervention condition (SHARP + Motivational Enhancement Therapy) was statistically different and more significant than the control condition (HIV Information only). Any decrease in alcohol problems over time was statistically significant in the SHARP condition and the SHARP + Motivational Enhancement Therapy, when compared to HIV Information only. SHARP is supported by the Office of Adolescent Health (OAH)'s Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program as an EBI that is medically accurate, age appropriate, and has proven through rigorous evaluation to prevent teen pregnancy and/or associated sexual risk behaviors. Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

National AIDS Behavioral Survey (NABS II), 1992

Investigators: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS); University of California, San Francisco

The National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS) were designed to identify AIDS-relevant risk behaviors and their correlates in a population based sample of adults aged 18-75 residing in the contiguous United States. The overall study design allows for the description of sexual practices, drug use, HIV antibody test seeking, and levels of AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs and social skills over the adult life-span both for the U.S. as a whole and for the major high AIDS prevalence areas. Emphasis was placed on oversampling black and Hispanic populations with the major AIDS epicenters. The specific aims of the survey included: Estimating the prevalence of AIDS-relevant sexual practices in the United States as a whole and in different segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried; age groups). Estimating the prevalence of HIV antibody test-seeking and levels AIDS-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and social skills among various segments of the population (blacks, Hispanics, and whites; men and women; married and unmarried, age groups. Testing the three stages of the proposed AIDS Risk Reduction Model: (a) Labeling: To determine the effects of HIV transmission knowledge, AIDS anxiety, HIV susceptibility beliefs, and AIDS ethnocentrism on "labeling" high risk behavior (i.e. the belief that "unsafe" sex practices put one at risk for HIV infection). (b) Commitment: To examine the effects of response efficacy (i.e. beliefs that safe sex behaviors are enjoyable and decrease the risk of HIV infection) and self-efficacy (i.e. beliefs in one's ability to perform safe sex behaviors) on behavior intentions to buy condoms, to increase condom use, and to reduce multiple-partnered sex. (c) Enactment: To assess the effects of sexual communication, risk behavior labeling (stage 1 outcome) and commitment to change (stage 2 outcome) on buying condoms, condom use and multiple partnered sex. The National AIDS Behavioral Survey II (NABS II) is a telephone survey conducted as a follow-up to the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys I conducted in 1990-91. NABS II has the following specific aims: 1) Estimate changes from 1990/91 to 1992 in AIDS relevant sexual practices (number of sexual partners, unprotected vaginal/anal intercourse, condom use), HIV antibody test-seeking, injection drug use, and AIDS-relevant beliefs and social skills across gender and racial/ethnic groups in a national sample. 2) Estimate the extent to which various subgroups in the population mix sexually and thus are capable of spreading HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases out of established risk groups; such subgroups are defined by age, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, level of education, and geographic proximity. 3) Test the predictive power of the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) in a longitudinal design. The dataset consists of 5,391 cases and 315 variables.

Brother to Brother

Investigators: John L. Peterson, Thomas J. Coates, Joseph Catania, Walter W. Hauck, Michael Acree, Dennis Daigle, Bobby Hillard, Lee Middleton, & Norman Hearst

Brother to Brother is a three-session behavioral intervention aimed at reducing HIV infection among African-American gay and bisexual men. Sessions are designed to foster positive identity development, educate participants about HIV/AIDS risk, teach assertiveness, and encourage the sharing of commitments and strategies for risk reduction among group members. Participants gain mastery through role-play, group discussion, and behavioral skills exercises. Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

SMART Couples

Investigators: Robert Remien, PhD, Michael Stirratt, PhD, Joanna Dognin, PsyD, Emily May, MA, Curtis Dolezal, PhD, Alex Carballo-Dieguez, PhD, Nabila El Bassel, DSW, Tiffany Jung, NP, Patricia Warne, PhD, & Glenn Wagner, PhD

SMART COUPLES is a four-session intervention delivered by a nurse practitioner to serodiscordant (mixed HIV status) couples. The program aims to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in the partner living with HIV/AIDS by increasing knowledge about the importance of medical care adherence, increasing adherence motivation and self-monitoring, increasing problem solving skills to overcome adherence issues, increasing self-efficacy, and optimizing partner support. In addition, the program was designed to foster active support between partners and help couples address issues of sex, intimacy, and transmission risk behaviors. During four 45- to 60-minute sessions, the couples engage in structured discussion and instruction, as well as specific problem-solving and couple-communication exercises. The nurse practitioner helps participants learn the different components of medical care adherence, and how a partner can help prompt adherence. Participants are also given an opportunity to discuss barriers to adherence, and how to communicate with their partners about different health care concerns including sexual risk taking. Finally, couples determine what their .triggers. are for poor medication adherence, and how to avoid these triggers in the future. Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

Hot, Healthy, and Keeping it Up!

Investigators: Kyung-Hee Choi, Steve Lew Eric Vittinghoff, Joseph Catania, Donald Barrett & Thomas Coates

This program is a three-hour, single session, culturally appropriate intervention for use with homosexual Pacific Islander and/or Asian men. The intervention is designed to increase positive ethnic and sexual identity in order to help participants acknowledge HIV risk behaviors by discussing negative experiences of being both Asian or Pacific Islander and homosexual (e.g., lack of social support, racism, homophobia). Guided by the Health Belief Model, the theory of reasoned action, and social cognitive theory, facilitators use interactive and group process techniques to address the following four intervention components: 1) development of positive self-identity and social support; 2) safer sex education; 3) eroticizing safer sex; and 4) negotiating safer sex. Of the 258 participants in the original evaluation, most were about 29 years old, Chinese, college-educated, immigrants. Most had been tested for HIV and had reported multiple partners in the three months prior to the intervention. Results of the evaluation indicate that intervention participants were significantly more knowledgeable about HIV-risk reduction, were significantly more motivated about addressing risk, had significantly fewer partners, and were significantly less likely to report unprotected anal intercourse than counterparts in the control group at three-month follow-up. (Choi et al., 1996). Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

Safety Point

Investigators: Fen Rhodes

This 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). Click here to view more detailed information on this program.

AIDS Risk Reduction for College Students

Investigators: Diane I. Kimble Willcutts, Jeffrey Fisher, William Fisher, & Stephen J. Misovich

Originally designed as a workshop for college students, this program consists of three two-hour sessions incorporating information, motivation, and behavioral strategies for AIDS risk reduction. The information component includes "AIDS 101," a slide show that explains the transmission and prevention of HIV, testing for the virus, and the importance of condoms for protection against HIV/AIDS among those who are sexually active. The motivation component is addressed through small-group discussions led by a peer health educator and a video narrated by persons who contracted HIV through unsafe heterosexual intercourse. Finally, behavioral skills development is encouraged through role plays of safe sex communication. In a field study of the program with 744 college students, participants showed significant gains in knowledge, motivation, and behavior; in particular, sexually active participants were more likely than similar control students to purchase and use condoms during a two- to four-month period following the intervention. Click here to view more detailed information on this program.