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Behavioural interventions work long-term to reduce STIs

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Behavioural interventions aimed at reducing sexual risk behaviours, such as unprotected sex, are effective at both promoting condom use and reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) long after the initial intervention, according to a new report in the December 15 issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.

Lead author Lori A. J. Scott-Sheldon, Ph.D., of The Miriam Hospital’s Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, and colleagues at the University of Connecticut conducted a meta-analysis of 42 studies evaluating the effectiveness of HIV-related behavioural interventions. The studies included in the meta-analysis assessed behaviour changes, including increased condom use, and biological outcomes, such as a subsequent STI or HIV diagnosis. The studies were conducted worldwide and included a number of at-risk populations.

Researchers found that behavioural interventions – which included HIV education, motivation and skills-based training aimed at negotiating safer sex behaviours – were successful at improving condom use and reducing incident STIs, including HIV, for up to four years. This meta-analysis is believed to be the first to examine the incidence of HIV in a wide range of at-risk populations.

Scott-Sheldon says that while it may seem intuitive that behavioural changes, such as increased condom use, will result in fewer STIs, previous studies have been unable to support that assertion.

“The association between behavioural and biological outcomes is complex, since transmission of STIs depends on a number of factors, including partner type, characteristics, and perceptions of partner safety,” she says. “Examining both outcomes, and factors associated with sexual risk behaviours, should be important in determining the efficacy of behavioural interventions.”

The meta-analysis evaluated the findings of 67 behavioural interventions in 42 studies. While most studies were conducted in North America, 17 percent took place in Asia, 14 percent in Africa, 5 percent in Europe and 2 percent in South America. In most cases, participants were randomised to receive an HIV-related behavioural intervention or a control group. Interventions were provided in both group and individual settings.

Interventions were found to be more successful at improving condom use when social, cultural and economic barriers were addressed. Researchers also observed that, contrary to expectations, self-management training targeting risky sexual behaviour did not significantly impact condom use one year after the initial intervention.


They also noted that participants were less likely to acquire STIs following the behavioural intervention if they were diagnosed with an STI or HIV at the time they entered the study. In addition, interventions were more successful at reducing the incidence of HIV when they sampled more Latinos. The authors note that, globally, Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV and interventions targeting this group are urgently needed to prevent HIV infection in this population.

“HIV infections cost the United States billions of dollars annually,” Scott-Sheldon says. “In the absence of an effective HIV vaccine, safer sexual practices and expanded prevention efforts are required to prevent new infections and reduce the burden of HIV. Translation and widespread dissemination of effective behavioural interventions within a wide range of population groups should be a high priority.”

(Source: Lifespan: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes)


More informations 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
For more information on different types of sexually transmitted infections, prevention of STIs, treatments and effects on fertility, see Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
 


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Dates

Posted On: 23 December, 2011
Modified On: 22 July, 2015


Created by: myVMC