CHANGES IN HIV RISK BEHAVIOR FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS OF DRUG-ABUSE TREATMENT AND AIDS EDUCATION

We compared the effectiveness in changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior of two different approaches to acquired immunodef iciency syndrome (AIDS) education given by residential drug abuse trea tment programs differing in their planned duration. Two randomized con trolled trials compared (a) a 6-month with a 12-month therapeutic comm unity (TC) program, and (b) a 6-month with a 3-month relapse preventio n (RP) program. Three composite variables assessing HIV risk-(a) drug injection, (b) sexual partners, and (c) condom use-were measured for t he 3 months prior to admission and follow-up. The TC program comprised a four-part AIDS information intervention. The RP program comprised a 21- or 42-session small-group program in the principles of RP, 5 skil ls-building AIDS education sessions, and 6 other health education sess ions. Four hundred ninety-five clients were enrolled in the study and completed a follow-tip interview within 6 months of exit (79% of those enrolled). Clients in the RP program reduced their drug injection and condom use risk. Female clients in the TC program reduced their condo m use risk. There were no differential effects on risk behavior change of either planned duration (randomization assignment) or Program type (RP versus TC). Thus, differences in the treatment programs, includin g AIDS education components, had no apparent effect on HIV risk behavi or change. The contribution of residential drug abuse treatment progra ms to AIDS prevention remains unproved.