HIV/AIDS interventions should be guided by appropriate behavioral change theories. Once such theory is the Theory of Planned Behavior. However, theories need to be infused with cultural factors that are relevant to the targeted population. This presentation highlights the assessment of a culturally innovative HIV risk reduction model for Hispanic IDUs in the Southwest. The model, predicting behavioral intentions to reduce HIV risk behaviors, includes specific demographic characteristics of the sample (i.e., age, gender, education, employment), cultural factors (i.e., familism, traditionalism, religiosity, and acculturation), Hispanic drug injector sub-cultural factors (i.e., machismo, respeto), behavioral factors (STDs) and factors derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (risk perception, peer influences, attitudes/beliefs, benefits of HIV risk reduction, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceived behavioral control, and intentions to reduce HIV risks). Results demonstrate that both cultural and psychosocial factors are predictive of behavioral intentions to reduce HIV risk behaviors among Hispanic IDUs. Attendees will be able to articulate applied cultural and theoretical factors that influence HIV risk reduction among injecting drug users.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to articulate applied cultural and theoretical factors that influence HIV risk reduction among injecting drug users.
Keywords: HIV Interventions, HIV Risk Behavior
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.