Objectives: (1) to address the need for women and race-specific community-based interventions, with an emphasis on African-American crack-cocaine users; and (2) to present data from formative and outcome-based research on the design, implementation, and evaluation of an HIV risk reduction intervention for African-American female crack-cocaine users. Methods: The 1-year formative phase (Phase 1) involved in-depth interviews with 90 women and resulted in a targeted intervention. The intervention is being evaluated during Years 2-4 (Phase 2). Data collection consists of process information as well as baseline, post- intervention, and 6-month follow-up interviews. The sample for Phase 2 includes 315 women. Results: Findings will be presented on process and outcome information, specifically HIV risk reduction, as well as unintended outcomes of the community-based intervention. Overall, women in the enhanced condition reduced their sex- and drug-related HIV risk significantly, with the reduction in sexual risk with paying partners being most significant. In terms of unintended outcomes, many women mentioned the intervention as a first step in becoming (re)integrated into mainstream society. Conclusions: Many of the women reported positive outcomes from their participation in the intervention (other than HIV risk reduction), such as feeling less stigmatized and having acquired new skills that can be applied to many aspects of their lives, emphasizing the need to consider outcomes other than those originally intended. The final discussion also will review the importance of merging qualitative and quantitative research paradigms as well as the acceptance of interventions in many already "stressed" communities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn the importance of both formative and outcomes-based research. 2. Participants will begin to understand how mainsteaming can become a positive outcome.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Community-Based Health Promotion
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.