The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38397

Evelyn Corsini, MSW, Julie R. Simmons, BA, and Emil Chiauzzi, PhD. Inflexxion, 320 Needham Street, Suite 100, Newton, MA 02464, 617-332-6028X232, ecorsini@inflexxion.com

This presentation describes the development and testing of Safety and Sobriety, a CD-ROM program specifically designed for substance abusers in treatment. The program, funded by a grant from the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, combines knowledge of how to effect behavioral change with state of the art interactive multimedia. Using a Frequently Asked Questions format derived from focus groups, users receive risk reduction information and skills in an engaging and personalized manner. The program is used by the client, in a cost-efficient manner requiring little staff assistance. User log-in keeps information confidential. All users receive basic information on HIV and AIDS: definitions; methods of transmission; and why alcohol or drug use increases risk. Completion of a 20 item empirically based risk assessment tailors the program by highlighting sections of importance to the user (e.g. history of STD’s; recent tattoos or body piercing; history of forced sex; frequency of condom use; degree of risk attached to different sexual behaviors; known HIV status). Information is divided into four topic areas: Risks for HIV/AIDS; Understanding HIV/AIDS; Living with HIV/AIDS; and Sex and Recovery. A key feature are peer stories using real people. Two men and two women, in recovery and living with HIV/AIDS, share their stories in videotaped clips throughout the program. The presentation will demonstrate the user experience of the program and review the results of usability testing, as well as preliminary results from the clinical field trial at six substance abuse treatment facilities.

Learning Objectives:

• List risk factors which put substance abusers at high risk for HIV/AIDS
• Describe theory-based intervention for prevention of HIV/AIDS
• Articulate the role of multimedia in tailoring health messages
• Construct a model for use of CD-ROM based health education in treatment settings

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Substance Abuse Treatment

Related Web page: www.inflexxion.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Inflexxion, Inc. Newton, Massachusetts
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an employee of Inflexxion the company which developed and owns the Safety and Sobriety CD-ROM.