Efficacy of Network-Based HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Programs in Midsized Towns in the United States

• NCJ Number: 167112
• Journal: Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 591-605
• Author(s): R T Trotter; A M Bowen; J A Baldwin; L J Price
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): UO1-DA07295
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This study found that combining psychosocial theories with social network outreach and prevention paradigms was an effective mechanism for reducing drug-related and sexual risks for HIV transmission in active drug users in midsized towns in the United States.

Abstract

The study recruited 579 individuals in two towns, one of 50,000 and one of 10,000 population. The following approaches to intervention were tested: (1) an intensive outreach program using indigenous outreach workers who provided reinforcement of an HIV risk reduction program; and (2) a low-intensity outreach program combined with a more intensive office-based HIV risk reduction program. Both approaches were compared with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommended standard intervention. The enhanced interventions reduced HIV risk taking reported by study participants. Both the intensive outreach combined with office intervention and the intensive office intervention without outreach reinforcement significantly reduced sexual risk taking by active drug users, beyond the reductions reported for the NIDA standard program. Enhanced risk reduction programs produced differential impacts for males and females between high- and low- intensity outreach models. 23 references, 3 notes, and 5 tables