"It takes two to tango:" Addressing gender norms and ideologies among Black and Hispanic women to reduce HIV/STD risk behaviors through a behavioral evience-based intervention

Background: The Future Is Ours (FIO), an evidence-based intervention, targets African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic women 18-30 years, at sexual risk for STD/HIV acquisition from their male partners. Through a total of 54 interactive exercises, 31 of which directly challenge gender norms, stereotypes, and cultural practices, FIO aims to reduce women's STD/HIV risk behaviors. Methods: Two case study agencies pilot-tested the FIO package with their female clients for acceptability, feasibility, and clarity. The agencies collected information on session implementation from the staff and participants using process measures to improve materials. Results: Four facilitators completed 8 sessions of the intervention 3 times. Based on the fidelity forms completed after each session, adjustments were made to 37% of the content. A total of 24 women (73% African American, 27% Hispanic) completed the pilot, and 137 participant feedback forms were summarized. Qualitative data suggest that participants received and applied the information in their relationships: In my family, we don't really talk about sex…; This group gives us the opportunity to speak and share without being judged. Agency-based data showed the intervention to be feasible to implement. Conclusions: Integrating STD/HIV prevention programs that use communication and refusal techniques to empower women may reach high risk women and reduce STDs /HIV incidence.