Objective: To assess whether an empowerment model HIV prevention program housed in a community-based organization (Intervention) is more effective than a traditional psychoeducational general health program housed in a community health clinic (Comparison) or no intervention (Wait-list Control Group [WLC]) in increasing HIV risk reduction among Latinas. Methods: Participants (N=162) were predominantly (89%) immigrant Latinas. Three-fourths of the sample (74%) reported an income of <$800 /month; 29% did not hold an HS degree; 90% had children. Eligibility criteria included being Latina, age 18-35, non-IDU, non-consistent condom users, and in a steady relationship with a male partner. All study participants were given interview-assisted surveys of demographics, HIV risk factors, and risk behaviors at pretest, posttest, and 3 month follow-up. Logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographics were used to assess program effects on participants’ risk reduction. Results: Adjusted logistic regression analyses reveal that both programs resulted in increased condom use at posttest (Intervention ORadj=2.7, 95%CI=1.0,7.6; Comparison ORadj=2.4, 95%CI=.9,6.1) and follow-up (Intervention ORadj=2.9, 95%CI=.9,9.9; Comparison ORadj=5.9, 95%CI=2.0-17.6), increased safer sex negotiation solely for the Intervention Group at both posttest (ORadj=5.62, 95%CI=2.0,15.5) and follow-up (ORadj=4.0, 95%CI=1.6-10.3), and increased HIV testing solely in the Comparison Group at posttest (OR=2.50, 95%CI=1.02-6.12). Conclusion: Traditional psychoeducational general health programs appear to be as effective as empowerment-based HIV prevention programs in reducing Latinas risk for HIV. Future HIV prevention programs for Latinas should be culture and gender-tailored, address partner issues, and be tied to HIV counseling and testing sites.
Learning Objectives: Evaluate whether a general health program is as effective as HIV program in reducing HIV risk among Latinas. Assess differences in how the HIV program, as compared with the general health program, affects HIV risk.
Keywords: HIV Interventions, Latinas
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.