Ritu Nehra1, Rashmi Bagga2, Deborah Jones3, Deepika Deepika2, Sunil Sethi1, Sunil Sharma4, Stephen M Weiss2. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. 2. Department of Obstetrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. 3. Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA. 4. Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: HIV in India is transmitted primarily by heterosexual contact. The present study sought to test the feasibility of a group HIV/STI risk re-duction intervention among heterosexual couples in India. METHODS: Focus groups and key informant interviews were used in 2008 to cul-turally tailor the intervention. Thirty sexually active and HIV/STI negative cou-ples were enrolled and assessed regarding risk behavior and sexual barrier accept-ability. Gender-concordant group sessions used cognitive behavioral strategies for HIV/STI prevention. RESULTS: At baseline, male condom use was low (36%); no participants re-ported use of female condoms or vaginal gels. HIV knowledge was low; women had more HIV knowledge and more positive attitudes towards con-dom use than men. Post-intervention, willingness to use all barrier products (t = 10.0, P< .001) and intentions to avoid risk behavior increased (t = 5.62, P< .001). CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the feasibility of utilizing a group interven-tion to enhance HIV/STI risk reduction among Indian couples.
BACKGROUND:HIV in India is transmitted primarily by heterosexual contact. The present study sought to test the feasibility of a group HIV/STI risk re-duction intervention among heterosexual couples in India. METHODS: Focus groups and key informant interviews were used in 2008 to cul-turally tailor the intervention. Thirty sexually active and HIV/STI negative cou-ples were enrolled and assessed regarding risk behavior and sexual barrier accept-ability. Gender-concordant group sessions used cognitive behavioral strategies for HIV/STI prevention. RESULTS: At baseline, male condom use was low (36%); no participants re-ported use of female condoms or vaginal gels. HIV knowledge was low; women had more HIV knowledge and more positive attitudes towards con-dom use than men. Post-intervention, willingness to use all barrier products (t = 10.0, P< .001) and intentions to avoid risk behavior increased (t = 5.62, P< .001). CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the feasibility of utilizing a group interven-tion to enhance HIV/STI risk reduction among Indian couples.
Entities:
Keywords:
HIV; India; Intervention; STI; Sexual barrier
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