Preventing HIV infection through sexual-behavior change.

Research on HIV prevention during the past decade has identified numerous models, at levels ranging from individual interventions to public policies capable of affecting an entire population. None of these approaches should be considered sufficient in itself because, put simply, behavior is difficult to modify. This truism is especially applicable when the behavior is multiply determined and serves many needs, as is the case with sexual behavior. Therefore each of these approaches should be seen as one part of a comprehensive HIV prevention program. Such efforts need to target individuals, small groups, communities, schools, and social policies. Adoption of theoretically guided and empirically validated approaches promise the most success.