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A systematic review of HIV behavioral interventions targeting sexual risk reduction among Hispanics in the United States

Jeffrey H Herbst, PhD1, Linda Kay, MPH1, Warren Passin1, Nicole Crepaz, PhD1, Cynthia M Lyles, PhD1, HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Team1, and Barbara Marin, PhD2. (1) Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-37, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-5386, jherbst@cdc.gov, (2) Division of Violence Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333

Background: Hispanics comprise the fastest growing minority group in the United States and face alarmingly high rates of HIV infection. We performed a systematic review of the HIV prevention literature to identify interventions that reduce sex-risk behavior among Hispanics. We also conducted a meta-analysis to identify effective interventions and their components. Methods: Systematic searches were used to identify published and unpublished behavioral intervention evaluations. Inclusion criteria included: (1) HIV/AIDS/STD interventions targeting Hispanics and having at least 50% Hispanic participants; (2) randomized controlled trials (RCT) or other trials with control/comparison groups; and (3) evaluation of changes in biologic outcomes (e.g., STD) or sex-risk behaviors (e.g., condom use, number of partners). Effect sizes were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and random-effects models were used to aggregate the data. Results: Nine intervention studies reporting 10 independent effect sizes met the inclusion criteria. These studies included Hispanic women at risk for HIV (k=5), intravenous drug users (k=3), and high-risk youth (k=2). In five studies all participants were Hispanic. Six studies were RCTs. Eight interventions were delivered to groups, and one was delivered to a community. Overall, behavioral interventions were associated with significant reductions in sexual risk behavior (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.41, 0.74; N=2,978). Effective interventions provided technical and interpersonal skills training, increased emotional support and self-efficacy, and were culturally appropriate. Conclusions: Behavioral interventions for Hispanics demonstrated significant reductions in sexual risk behaviors. Program planners should consider selecting interventions that promote skills training and emotional support.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Hispanic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

HIV/AIDS Research Roundtable: Latino and Hispanic Health

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA